About Mano Watsa
Mano Watsa was the first Canadian athlete to ever attend Point Guard College (PGC). A terrific example of the impact that Dick DeVenzio had on so many athletes, Mano returned from his PGC experience and saw his game transformed. He was selected as a two-time All-Canadian and earned Academic All-Canadian honors at the University of Waterloo on his way to a degree in Recreation and Business. Mano capped off his university career with his selection as the recipient of The Sports Network (TSN—Canada's equivalent of ESPN) Award in 1998 for combining excellence in athletics, academics, and community involvement.
After graduation, Mano went on to play with Athletes In Action, competing against top Division One teams in the United States and touring throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Mano then returned to Canada and started his highly acclaimed high school assembly presentation, Power To Choose. A gifted motivational speaker, Mano has used his basketball-based presentation as a platform to address over 250,000 students across North America.
Mano’s involvement with teaching the game began at the age of 15, when he started his own basketball camp for eight aspiring young athletes in his parents’ backyard. Within a few years, Mano’s camps were attracting more than 100 athletes per week, and he then began to hold overnight camps for players across the country. In 2001, after a seven-year friendship with PGC founder Dick DeVenzio, Mano created his own program (called Point Guard Academy) as a tribute to Dick. The program attracted athletes from across North America and around the world. Mano and Dena Evans (PGC’s Owner and Chairman) joined forces in 2007, and Mano now serves as President of Point Guard College and directs Essentials and Prep School courses on the PGC Summer Tour.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MANO WATSA
"Mano, what you have taught me has completely, 100% transformed my game. I am now much more confident and I play with a lot more intensity. I pulled out my notes today and went over everything that I learned from you. I just wanted to say thank you for your input in my life and in my game."
—Dean Beard, Wall, Texas.
“Mano—you are the real deal, you don't just talk the talk. You have a gift. Your lectures on life lessons were amazing. Thank you for all that you gave to me and my kids this week."
—Coach Pam White, Rhinebeck, New York.
“I was especially impressed with Mano Watsa and his passion. The way that he connects with the players is incredible. I have seen and experienced many basketball camps. This is by far the best that I’ve ever seen.”
—Coach Dave Beckman, Shelby Michigan.
“I have been to tons of camps all across North America and my week with you was the best by far! I will remember this experience for the rest of my playing career and the rest of my life.”
—Jesse Tipping, Brock University.
“Hi Mano—I wanted to thank you for everything that you did during my time at PGC. It amazes me how much you seem to care about others and their well-being. It’s hard for me to express the level of respect that I have for you. Thanks, Mano, you have really made a difference in my life.”
—Shiloh Tuma, Bowling Green, Ohio.
“Mano—my week with you was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Your love of the game and your desire to share your knowledge with each of us had such a positive impact on me as an athlete and as an individual. Thank you for an unforgettable week!”
—Nicole Tisdale, Aylmar, Ontario.
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