Danny Manning

Danny Manning is a college basketball legend and former NBA All-Star. As the son of longtime NBA player and coach Ed Manning, Danny Manning began playing basketball at a young age, leading his high school to a state title and a perfect 26-0 record. Manning attended the University of Kansas, where he delivered one of the most outstanding collegiate careers in NCAA history. Throughout his time at Kansas, Manning received three Big Eight Player of the Year Awards and two All-American honors. His leadership culminated in the Jayhawks' 1988 NCAA championship victory, where he was named the tournament MVP.

After his collegiate success, Manning was chosen as the first overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. During his time with the Clippers and other NBA teams, he earned two All-Star selections. Following his retirement from professional play in 2003, Manning transitioned into coaching. He began as an assistant coach at Kansas, then became the head coach at Tulsa University in 2012, and later at Wake Forest University, where he led for six seasons. Currently, Manning is the associate head coach at the University of Louisville.

In addition to his coaching career, Manning has engaged in various media and philanthropic activities. He served as a color commentator for the radio coverage of the 2021 NCAA tournament provided by Westwood One. Moreover, he has been actively involved with the Special Olympics and Advocates for Athletic Equity, besides participating in numerous youth camps across the United States. Manning's speaking engagements encompass a broad range of topics such as basketball, broadcast media, coaching, leadership, sports, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork.