Chris Mantis, a standout guard from the University of Maine, is set to make history as the first player from the program to step onto the NBA Summer League court.
Mantis, who completed his collegiate eligibility in 2025, has been a key contributor for the Capital City Go‑Go in the G League, where he posted 8.4 points per game and shot 45.7 percent from the field last season.
Summer League Debut
The Minnesota Timberwolves will welcome Mantis to their summer roster, marking a new chapter for the Black Bears' basketball legacy. The league’s opening night is scheduled for July 3, 2026, with the Timberwolves' first game slated for Thursday, July 9 against the New Orleans Pelicans, tip‑off set for 3:30 PM Eastern.
Mantis arrives after a breakout season in which he helped the Black Bears capture their first America East title since 2004‑05. He finished the year with 8.1 points per game, shooting 44.9 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from three‑point range and a perfect 91.7 percent at the free‑throw line.
His 72 three‑pointers rank eleventh all‑time in program history, underscoring his reputation as a sharpshooter. The Timberwolves' coaching staff believes his shooting skill set will translate well to the faster pace of summer league play.
Beyond his on‑court achievements, Mantis graduated from the University of Maine in 2025, bringing a blend of academic discipline and athletic ambition to the professional arena. Fans in Orono and across Maine are watching eagerly as their native son prepares to showcase his talents on a national stage.
The Timberwolves' summer schedule will feature a series of exhibition games, providing Mantis with ample opportunity to refine his game and compete for a spot on the parent club’s regular‑season roster. The team’s official website, timberwolves.com, will stream the games live for viewers worldwide.
Mantis will also be surrounded by familiar G‑League teammates from the Capital City Go‑Go, creating a supportive environment as he adjusts to the NBA’s summer circuit. The partnership between the Timberwolves and the Go‑Go, both owned by the same parent organization, highlights a strategic development pathway for emerging talent.
As the summer league approaches, analysts are already drawing comparisons between Mantis and previous UMaine alumni who have transitioned to professional basketball. While the road ahead remains uncertain, his consistent shooting percentages and proven clutch performances suggest he could become a valuable asset for Minnesota’s future plans.