Danny Manning Returns to Kansas as Colorado Assistant Coach

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Danny Manning, Kansas University’s all-time leading scorer, will return to Allen Fieldhouse for the first time in nearly seven years, this time donning the black and gold of the Colorado Buffaloes. Manning, who joined Tad Boyle‘s coaching staff in June, will face his former team at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Manning’s significance to Kansas basketball is monumental. The former star player earned consensus national player of the year honors in 1988 and still holds the Jayhawks’ scoring record with 2,951 points. His memorable 31-point, 18-rebound performance helped Kansas clinch the national title that season.

“A lot of warm, great memories there and not just as a player and a coach,” Manning reflected on his upcoming return. “It will be a different experience, without question.”

Bill Self, Kansas head coach, acknowledged Manning’s impact on the program. “Danny’s obviously as influential a player as this place has ever known,” Self commented. “We’re proud of everything he accomplished.”

As a player, Manning was a two-time first-team All-American and led his team to not only the 1988 championship but also significant wins throughout his collegiate career. After being the No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, Manning went on to have a successful 15-year professional career, which included two All-Star appearances and recognition as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 1998.

Manning transitioned into coaching after his playing days, returning to Kansas to join Self’s staff and contributing to the Jayhawks’ 2008 national championship victory. He has had coaching stints at Tulsa and Wake Forest before teaming up again with Boyle at Colorado.

Boyle, who played with Manning at Kansas during the 1985 season, expressed excitement about their reunion on the coaching staff. “Being around him every day brings back memories of great experiences,” Boyle stated.

While the Buffaloes have struggled this season, enduring a 12-game losing streak, a warm welcome is still anticipated for Manning. Kansas fans are known for their loyalty and appreciation of the sport, traits Boyle and Manning have both cherished throughout their careers.

<p“We're all aware of the significance of Allen Fieldhouse,” Boyle said. “It’s a difficult place to play, but the fans are incredible. They know the game and its history.”

The matchup will mark the 165th time these two teams have met, with Kansas leading the all-time series 124-40. As the Buffaloes aim to end their losing streak against the Jayhawks, Manning looks forward to being back in his favorite gym.

<p“Allen Fieldhouse is still my favorite gym, just because of the history and the tradition,” Manning noted. “You get a chance to work with young people and share our experiences with them every day.”

The game promises to bring nostalgia for Manning, offering a chapter of his basketball life that intertwines with memories of both playing and coaching, making his return a bittersweet yet exciting occasion.