It’s official: NBA history for Manning

By Gary Bedore     Sep 12, 2003

What Kansas University basketball fans learned Aug. 29 is official: Danny Manning has retired from professional basketball after 15 years in the NBA.

Manning’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, issued a press release Thursday indicating the 37-year-old former KU All-American had taken a job as director of student-athlete development/team manager in KU’s hoops program.

“It has been a pleasure and honor to represent Danny Manning. He exemplifies everything you look for in a professional athlete,” said Bartelstein, president of Priority Sports.

Manning was a two-time NBA All-Star who finished his 15-year career with more than 12,000 points, 4,500 rebounds and 2,000 assists.

“My agent wanted to make an announcement so we did that. Yes it’s official,” Manning told the Journal-World Thursday. “I enjoyed playing professional basketball at the highest level, I was blessed to play that many years. I’m very fortunate and thankful.

“There are a lot of people in situations I’m in, as far as playing a lot of years, in the process of trying to find a team to play on — trying to decide whether they should retire or go to another field.

“I have made my decision. I just can’t say anything other than I was very blessed to play as long as I did with the injuries I had (three knee surgeries). I’m looking forward to the next chapters of my life.”

Manning, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons, is enjoying his new job at KU. His duties include daily counseling of KU’s players, and Manning will attend practices this season but not be involved in actual coaching.

“I am enjoying it, just learning the ropes and asking a lot of questions,” Manning said.

Manning will use this season to decide if he wants to coach for a living.

“I haven’t made that decision yet,” Manning said. “I still have a ways to go.”

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