LOUDONVILLE, NY – Recent Siena Basketball star Manny Camper '21 has taken his talents to the professional ranks. The reigning MAAC Player of the Year has signed a contract with the Grand Rapids Gold, the NBA G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets.
 
Camper first secured a spot on Grand Rapids' training camp roster in late October before earning his way onto the team's Opening Night roster. He received the start in the Gold's season opener last night, scoring nine points and grabbing a game-high 18 rebounds in 43 minutes of action in a 103-99 win at Miami Heat affiliate the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Moreover, Camper scored Grand Rapids' first points under their new nickname and affiliation. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Gold are slated to play a 48-game regular season schedule in 2021-22, running through Apr. 2.
 
"It's a blessing, and I'm grateful to be playing for Coach (Jason) Terry and a great organization," said Camper. "Being able to live out my dream as a professional basketball player feels amazing."
 
Camper completed a decorated senior season at Siena last winter, earning NABC District 1 First Team and First Team All-MAAC honors in addition to being named the MAAC Player of the Year. Also tabbed a Senior CLASS Award First Team All-American, the two-time MAAC Player of the Week led the MAAC in rebounding (9.7 – 22^nd nationally), defensive rebounding (7.5 – 13^th nationally), double-doubles (six), and minutes (37:49 – sixth nationally). Additionally, Camper ranked third in the MAAC in assists (3.6), and fifth in both scoring (14.1) and offensive rebounding (2.2), while leading the Saints to their second consecutive MAAC Regular Season Championship.
 
"Manny Camper impacts the game on both ends," noted Siena Men's Basketball Head Coach Carmen Maciariello. "He is a tireless worker who gives it his all every second on the floor. I am so proud of Manny, and this is just the beginning of his success. We miss and love him dearly. I am thankful our paths crossed, and I appreciate who he is as a person. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. We love you, Manny!"
 
Camper is now one step closer to realizing his dream of one day playing in the NBA. He previously declared as an early entrant for the 2020 NBA Draft, before returning to play out his senior season at Siena last winter. To date, only one former Siena player has appeared in an NBA game, as Edwin Ubiles played in four games with the Washington Wizards in March 2012, totaling 14 points and 10 rebounds spanning 52 minutes of action. Kenny Hasbrouck signed a pair of 10-day contracts with the Miami Heat in March and April of 2010, although he never saw action in a regular season contest.