Manny Iloka: Finding Community on the Court

When Emmanuel (Manny) Iloka finished high school, he was on the lookout for post-secondary education – and, he hoped, an opportunity to shine on the basketball court. At Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), he found both, along with a warm welcome to our community.

Manny joined NWP and the Wolves in 2019 and played four seasons while studying Business Administration. He quickly began garnering attention and awards, including the Wolves Male Rookie of the Year and the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Rookie of the Year North Division, in 2020. This was followed by Wolves Male Athlete of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and a place on the 2024 ACAC Men’s All-Conference North First Team.

But when Manny is asked about his favourite NWP memories, the former student-athlete doesn’t bring up awards or victories on the court.

“It was the feeling of community,” he recalls. “Every single moment was definitely a joy.”

Manny couldn’t have predicted the home he would find in Grande Prairie when he first landed in Canada in 2015. The youngest of five siblings, originally from Nigeria, Manny and two other siblings came to join their brother who was living in Fort St. John. Manny completed grades 10 and 11 there, and then did his grade 12 year in Vancouver. He played on his school’s junior varsity team and hoped to find a pathway to post-secondary basketball, without success.

It was during a men’s league game back in Fort St. John that someone suggested Manny reach out to Northwestern Polytechnic. Manny connected with head coach Evan Lloyd, and before long, found himself invited to join the Wolfpack.

“People in Grande Prairie became family over the years,” says Manny. “Evan Lloyd, team manager Chris Draves – they looked out for me. I called them my dads,” he laughs.

Once Manny donned the #20 jersey and started showing what he could accomplish on court, other post-secondary schools came calling. But Manny was loyal to NWP and the Wolves. “I was grateful for the opportunity,” he explains. “And I liked what we were building. Every year we were a little closer and a little better – and that’s what it’s all about.” 

Known as a fan favourite during his time here, Manny cherished his interactions with younger fans and the support he felt from the city. “I felt like a celebrity. That feeling of community is a great memory.”

Manny remembers feeling nervous as he headed into post-secondary, but found the reality was better than he hoped. “A smaller city made it easier to manage,” he explains. “You get great exposure and can really focus on school.”

Now working as a finance manager for a Calgary car dealership, Manny is happy to be living with his sister after years apart from family. He also has big news for fans who would like to see him compete at the college level once again.

“Watch out for me… I’ll be playing for SAIT this fall,” Manny reveals. He plans to study HVAC maintenance and enjoy a final year of post-secondary basketball. “I’m excited to try playing against NWP. How will they defend against me?” he teases.

When Manny looks back at his time at NWP, one word comes up again and again: gratitude. Balancing sports, academics and part-time work isn’t easy for any student, but Manny is focused on his memories of playing the game he loves and the support that surrounded him.

“It felt like a big family,” he smiles. “I’m honestly really, really blessed.”