Danny Manning scored 40 points against Notre Dame last season in Allen Fieldhouse.
The 6-10 All-American’s 16-of-21 shooting, in fact, helped Kansas to a thrilling 70-60 come-from-behind victory on national TV.
It was a popular notion Manning was super pumped up, trying to overcome the loss of point guard Cedric Hunter, who missed the game with a badly sprained ankle.
That indeed could have been a major source of inspiration for Manning. Then again, Manning, who also cashed eight of 11 free throws, might have been sky-high for a different reason.
“He had some incentive,” Kansas coach Larry Brown said about Manning’s virtuoso performance. “When Ed came to Kansas, some remarks were made by Digger.”
Seems N.D. coach Digger Phelps, whose 8-4 Fighting Irish will host KU at 1:35 p.m. Saturday at Joce Center in South Bend, Ind., once made some unflattering remarks about Danny’s dad, Ed, KU’s assistant basketball coach.
“He said it’s a disgrace a school can hire a truck driver to be a basketball coach,” explained Brown, who hired one-time truck driver Ed five seasons ago, in what some said was an obvious attempt to land his son, Danny, then a high school senior.
“I would get up for that. That’s eprsonal. It involves our program. i care about Ed and our kids care about Ed,” Brown said.
If Danny, indeed, had or still has a score to settle with Phelps, now in his 17th year at the Golden Dome, he’s not talking about it.
“No comment,” said Manning good-naturedly on Wednesday.
Ed also is not willing to add wood to the fireplace.
“I don’t even remember exactly what was said. A lot of people had things to say after I was hired,” said Ed. “A lot of people that didn’t know the situation said a lot of things.”
Brown emphasized he wasn’t trying to stir up any controversy with his remarks Wednesday, merely answer a question about Manning’s effort versus the Irish.
He was asked if he agreed with those who call Phelps “St. Digger” for his vocal opinions on the game of basketball.
“I don’t say things. I’m sure people would have things to say about me,” Brown said with a smile. “I’m excited we’re playing Notre Dame because it’s a highly visible program and the game’s on national TV. The only extra incentive is Ed’s situation. That’s basically it.”
Brown said Wednesday the severe blisters on freshman Mike Maddox’s feet are improved and he’s been able to practice full speed. Also, forward Chris Piper, hobbled by a nagging groin injury all season, has returned to practice. He recently had been forced to sit out practices and only play in games.
Frosh forward Mike Masucci left Tuesday’s practice with a sore knee, but it is not serious, Brown said. And he revealed sophomore Keith Harris has been taking part in extra conditioning workouts.
“He’s done some extra running. He’s really trying,” Brown said of the player who just recently departed the coach’s doghouse. “When he’s tired, everything stops. I’ve been pleased with Keith. At Washington, we had Al Correll (former KU basketball captain) speak to the kids. He had a lot of things to say that I think affected Keith in a positive way.”
