Awan: Mo Mentality
By MUZAMMIL HAKIM
The Tower
MANTECA – Thud! Thud!
Candid photo of Mohammad Awan (white jersey) jumping to contest the shot (Muzammil Hakim/The Tower)
The opposing team trembles when Manteca High junior Mohammad Awan, a 6-foot-3 forward, charges into the paint to fight for a rebound or a score. His relentless power makes him a tough matchup for most forwards—even some centers.
Awan is part of a promising junior class joining the varsity ranks this winter. Besides being physically gifted, he also has the desire and mindset to be the best.
“Mo brings desire and determination to the team in the form of wanting to be the best and earn a place on the team,” said varsity coach Geoff Israel.
Scoring isn't his only strength. He’s also a lockdown defender in the paint, grabs rebounds, and is wet like water—splashing mid-range jumpers and threes.
Mohammad Awan is an up-and-coming star at Manteca High School. Known for his towering height and strength, he’s become a formidable forward. His skill has shown in games—like last season on January 11, 2025, when Manteca faced Sierra and Awan led the JV squad with 15 points. He’s had multiple games with double-digit scoring, proving he can produce.
Awan now heads into the varsity season with high hopes.
“For the new year, I hope to get consistent with scoring and try to get more athletic,” Awan said.
The varsity team will return notable players like Austin Barnes and Antonio Fraley, along with other returning varsity athletes and a promising group of JV call-ups.
But like every rising star, Awan faces challenges. Though talented, he’s still adjusting to the physicality and speed of varsity basketball.
“I think the challenge for him is understanding the speed and physicality of varsity basketball,” Coach Israel said.
Awan is also learning how to handle pressure situations—key moments that can decide games.
“Pressure situations are becoming more of an area of growth for Mo. So far this fall, I believe he is beginning to understand what to do and where to go when he is pressured or double-teamed,” Israel added.
The season ahead looks promising. With stars like Barnes and Fraley returning, and a talented group of newcomers, Manteca hopes to have a strong run.
“We are starting to grow as a team. If the boys play to their potential, I feel like it will be a really good year,” Coach Israel said.
Manteca High will play its first home game against Lodi on Saturday, Nov. 29. Fans are excited to see Manteca hoops back in action. Awan knows varsity is a different level compared to what he’s faced.
“I feel like varsity, compared to freshman and JV, has a huge difference, because you’re playing with bigger, more athletic guys—guys who can jump, fight, and rebound. Freshman year was more of a learning experience, especially JV,” Awan said, knowing this season will be tougher than past ones.