#E75 Alum Chris Leman Chooses Mercyhurst
On Monday, Worcester Academy and The House We Built's Chris Leman announced his commitment to Mercyhurst University, one of the nation’s newest Division I programs.
Leman is coming off a strong summer where he made key contributions in the Hoop Group Showcase League and stood out in the Elite 75 College Showcase this past June.
A native of Louisiana, Leman began his high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans before transferring to Worcester Academy in the summer of 2023.
The 6’7” forward wanted to start by expressing his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey:
“First off, I want to thank my family for always supporting me and staying by my side throughout my entire high school career. I am beyond grateful that they believed in my vision and path, even when tough decisions had to be made. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful. I also want to thank Coach Jamie, Coach Dan, and the entire staff at WA for welcoming me into the community and treating me like one of their own from the start.”
Leman, a southpaw stretch forward, is known for his shooting ability and impressive size. His versatility on the floor allows him to create his own shot off the dribble or come off screens to knock down shots off the catch.
When asked about his decision to commit to Mercyhurst, Leman shared his thoughts:
“I chose Mercyhurst because their play style fits me perfectly, and I can see myself thriving within that system. The head coach and the entire staff were very welcoming, and they made my visit feel like I’d found a new home.”
While the Lakers had a bit of a down year last season, they’ve been consistently successful over the past few years, including several NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
Entering his 23rd season as head coach, Gary Manchel has compiled an impressive 373-219 career record, guiding Mercyhurst to perennial contender status at the Division II level.
Before heading to Pennsylvania, Leman has one more year at Worcester Academy, and he’s already set his sights high: “The goal this year is to win a NEPSAC AA championship,” Leman said.
With a team full of talent, and a ton of experience in the classes of 2025 and 2026, the Hilltoppers definitely are a team to watch in Class AA of the NEPSAC this year.
Chris Leman