[3] Due to a restriction of prenatal blood circulation, Atlas was born with a left arm that ended just below his elbow; he has a short rounded stump of his forearm.
[5] Atlas attended Amador Valley High School near his home where as a junior he played center on the varsity basketball team.
[7] In 2007 Sports Illustrated called him "the most exciting player in basketball" in recognition of his playing prowess with just one hand,[5] but he missed most of his senior year due to a broken leg, (Averaging eleven points, ten blocks, and nine rebounds per game his final year).
[4] Scouts, Inc. describes him as a "prospect that could instantly help a number of low-major Division I programs," noting his "quick leaping ability" and effective play on both offense and defense.
[10][11] On December 30, 2009, Atlas scored his first career point with a free throw and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds in 17 minutes in Manhattan's 86–48 loss to Vanderbilt.
On December 22 against Bowling Green, Atlas played 13 minutes, scored 4 points off field goals, and made 5 rebounds.
[14] After graduating from Manhattan College in only three years, Atlas's career totals came to 36 points, 42 rebounds, 15 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist.