Bio

Four-year eligible athlete who spent first season as a redshirt at Sam Houston State.

High School: Graduate of Amarillo's Caprock High School where he led the Longhorns to a school-record 23 wins and a berth in the Class 5A state playoffs…Averaged double-double with 14.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 6.5 blocks per game...Earned first team all-district honors and a place on the Amarillo Golden Spread all-tournament team…Averaged 11.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on his way to first team all-district honors as a junior.

Personal: Parents are Michael Gatkek and Elizabeth Deng…Has four brothers and sisters…Born in Ethiopia…Nickname is Manny…Played soccer as a youth.

Favorite Player: Kobe Bryant

Favorite Movies: Rush Hour 1, 2 and 3.

Favorite Musician. Meek Mill

Favorite Food: FuFu

Favorite Song: Can You Stand the Rain? by New Edition.