Manny Montano is most often described in two words: "shot blocker"... Aggressive post player with great timing... Very athletic... Late bloomer who needs to work on upper body strength and post skills around the block.

PALOMAR COLLEGE: Two-year starter for Palomar College in Mira Costa... Played forward and center for the Comets and earned Pacific Coast Conference honorable mention as a sophomore... Averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds for a 9-15 squad that was 8-6 in conference... Shot .587 (74 of 126) from the floor to rank among conference leaders... Best game was 27 points and 13 rebounds in a Nov. 18 loss to L.A. Southwest at Fullerton College... Had a best of 5 blocked shots in a Jan. 26 win at Mira Costa... Averaged 8 rebounds as a freshman and led the league in blocked shots.

CHAPARRAL HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year letterman at Chaparral High School in Temecula for Coach Ed Coyle... Was the Pumas' most valuable player as a senior when he won second-team All-Southwestern League and honorable mention all-valley honors... Averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 blocked shots per game to lead the CIF Southern Section... As a junior was team's most improved player and earned honorable menton all-league attention... Played in three summer all-star games: the Inland Empire Basketball Program All-Star Game, the Palm Desert Classic and the Riverside County vs. San Bernardino County All-Star Game.... In the latter had 14 blocked shots.

PERSONAL: Born on June 21, 1984, in Hawaiian Gardens, California... Parents are Chris and Tania Montano of Temecula... Has a younger sister, Trina, and younger brother, Jonathan... Liberal studies major whose goal is to become a basketball coach... Chose Cal State Fullerton because of the "good coaches, nice campus and good players"... Most memorable sports thrill was blocking 14 shots in a game in his junior year in high school in a 2-point win over rival Temecula Valley HS... Credits Coach Ed Coyle for the most influence on his career: "because he gave me the opportunity to play basketball in high school after I thought it was too late."