Coach Niko Panousis

06/05/2026

Great running into my man Grant Best today! Grant just finished his freshman year at Air Force Academy and will continue his basketball career and duties at Air Force!! We are proud of you! Continue to be the BEST!

05/23/2026

05/20/2026

“It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.”

05/14/2026

Congratulations to all! #2026

Every year during Commencement, we like to highlight some of our outstanding graduates. These students are recommended by their peers, faculty and staff across campus.

From a public affairs student ready to make a difference in Gary, to someone who transitioned from a shy freshman to a public relations professional. From a teacher getting his degree after starting nearly two decades ago, to a business professional who found her calling at IU Northwest.

Check out some of the amazing graduates story from the Class of 2026: https://northwest.iu.edu/commencement/student-stories/index.html

04/29/2026

IU Northwest education graduate set to teach the same class that inspired him

04/28/2026

’m incredibly grateful to Indiana University Northwest for taking the time to share and highlight my journey. It means a great deal to have my story recognized by an institution that has given me so much on the court and in the classroom.

I’m forever grateful for the memories I’ve made there and proud to be an IU Northwest alumnus. My time at the university helped shape who I am today, and those connections made on the court and in the classroom will always stay with me.

I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Mark Sperling and his faculty for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this process. Their help has truly made a difference, and I’m deeply appreciative.

Moments like these remind me how important it is to have people and organizations that believe in and uplift your work. Thank you again for being part of this journey.

Link to the story: https://news.iu.edu/northwest/?_gl=1*jyejce*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NzY3ODc1MzUuQ2p3S0NBand3SnpQQmhCUkVpd0FKZkhSblN0bkFxQ0xia1hHanVSQXNabVM5MG52SjBSSjItS1pSZk1CRDIyUTU0emRjZHFVbVhSMGhCb0MtN2dRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*NTUxOTUxOTQ4LjE3NzYyNzY2NTI.*_ga*MTIzMzgyNTE5OC4xNzc2Mjc2NjUy*_ga_61CH0D2DQW*czE3NzczOTc4ODkkbzckZzEkdDE3NzczOTgzOTgkajU0JGwwJGgw

04/25/2026

Nearly 20 years ago, I walked away from my degree in education . Now the job is done. 🎓

In 2007, I came to IU Northwest to play basketball and study mathematics — driven by one teacher who changed my life in 7th grade.

By 2013, eligibility was up. Life was heavy. I had to step away.
But I never stopped. I coached. I trained players. I subbed. I taught wherever I had an opportunity. I poured into kids on the court and in classrooms — because the mission never paused, even when school did.

Through the self-doubt. Through the wondering if the window had closed. One phone call changed everything.

IUN welcomed me back with open arms — no judgment, just an open door. And this year, I finished what I started. 🙏

Now I walk into the classroom teaching 7th grade math — the same grade that sparked everything for me. And I’m on the court at Bosco Institute as Head Coach & Associate Athletic Director.

The long road taught me everything I needed:

✅ Struggle equips you — it doesn’t disqualify you
✅ Kids need someone steady in their corner — on the court AND in the classroom
✅ It is NEVER too late to finish what you started

Grateful for my family. My mentors. My students. My players.
If you stepped away from something that meant everything to you — don’t count yourself out. 💪

The road back is harder. But it’s worth it.

04/12/2026

01/03/2026

After a meaningful senior year at the University of Maine, Chris Mantis returns to the state tonight at 6:00 PM to take on the Maine Celtics. While his journey has taken him to the professional level, his love, passion, and determination for the game remain deeply rooted in the time he spent as a Black Bear. 🐾

His performance two nights ago in a big win against the Westchester Knicks was a quiet testament to that hard work and preparation:

✨ 23 PTS (8–17 FG) 🎯 7 Triples 🖐️ 5 AST | 4 BLK | 3 STL 📈 Team-high +49 rating

Stats aside, it is Chris’s professionalism and commitment to the “next level” mentality that stands out most. It’s a privilege to watch him continue to grow and compete.

Welcome back, Chris. Keep striving.