

What happens when a walking defensive menace, a G League-bound underdog, and a Dominican success story walk into Lakerland? You get Chris Manon. No punchline necessary. Just a rising guard with a 6’5″ height, weighing 215lbs, and the kind of Summer League tape that screams, well, hidden gem alert. But before he suits up, fans are starting to ask the real questions, like, who is this guy? And more importantly, where did he come from?
Manon isn’t just a name slapped onto a two-way contract. He’s a former Cornell standout who went undrafted, joined the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League squad, and somehow managed to turn heads in just 17.1 minutes per game. Averaging 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks, he left breadcrumbs for the Lakers front office to follow. Now? He’s headed to the South Bay Lakers, but rewind a little, and you’ll see the story doesn’t start in Vegas. It starts at home.
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Who Are Chris Manon’s Parents?
Chris Manon is the son of Wilfredo Manon, a name you won’t find next to NBA draft boards, but one you will find proudly stamped into the roots of his son’s work ethic.

via Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round Practice – Cleveland Mar 20, 2025 Cleveland, OH, USA Vanderbilt Commodores guard Chris Manon 30 drives to the basket during practice at Rocket Arena. Cleveland Rocket Arena OH USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20250320_kab_bk4_050
While there’s little publicly known about his mother, what we can assume is that Chris wasn’t raised in a household fueled by limelight or Instagram fame. He grew up with strong blue-collar values and a quiet strength. And Chris Manon’s story, and his swagger, can be traced back to his Dominican roots.
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What Ethnicity Are Chris Manon’s Parents?
His parents are of Dominican descent, a heritage that’s frequently highlighted during broadcasts and coverage of his college career. And it’s not just a surface-level mention either. Manon wears his background like a badge of honor. Dominican pride runs deep in basketball, and Chris is no exception.
Whether it’s how he carries himself on the court or how he speaks about his journey, the cultural influence is unmistakable. Dominican basketball players have long had a reputation for being tough, energetic, and fiercely loyal to the grind… and if Manon’s recent career arc is any indication, he fits the mold to a T.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Chris Manon the hidden gem the Lakers need, or just another G League hopeful?
Have an interesting take?
During his time at Cornell, Manon often referenced how his heritage shaped both his confidence and his competitive fire. It’s a vital piece of who he is. And the fact that he’s heading into the NBA as a Dominican-American player isn’t just inspiring, but it’s also quite revolutionary. And it matters. Because for every young baller watching from Santo Domingo or Washington Heights, seeing Manon in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ purple and gold (even if it starts in the G League) sends a message that you don’t have to be a lottery pick to live the dream.
And yes, most of Manon’s family details remain out of the public eye, for now anyway, but that’s okay. Some stories are told in silence, in the way a player defends like his life depends on it, or the way he keeps showing up when no one’s watching. So, who are Chris Manon’s parents? They’re the quiet force behind a not-so-quiet ascent. They’re part of a bigger narrative about culture, toughness, and staying ready. And if the Lakers’ gamble pays off, they might just become part of NBA lore too.
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Is Chris Manon the hidden gem the Lakers need, or just another G League hopeful?