Forward Roberto Mantovani is pursuing professional basketball opportunities in his home country of Cyprus and in Europe and is no longer with the Robert Morris program, coach Andy Toole said Friday.
Mantovani, a 6-foot-8 forward, was with the Colonials for one season and averaged 1.7 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 22 appearances last season.
The former junior-college transfer played for Cuesta College during the 2015-16 season, where he averaged 15.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Mantovani’s transfer leaves the Colonials with just three players capable of providing a presence down low — returning 6-7 redshirt freshman David Cole, incoming 6-8 transfer Malik Petteway and incoming 6-8 freshman forward Charles Bain.
Toole said he isn’t concerned about the Colonials’ size entering next year.
“Everybody wants an opportunity to play, and guys are going to get an opportunity to play and they have to step up and do their job,” Toole said. “Our jobs as coaches is to figure out what’s the best way to utilize and give ourselves and opportunity to win games. Not concerned about it.
“I think it’s exciting to put these guys together and see who can emerge and be really productive members of the team.”
Omari Sankofa II: osankofa@post-gazette.com
First Published: June 16, 2017, 5:11 p.m.
