#KU50: 2 Danny Manning

The all time leader in KU history in both scoring and rebounding, Manning is of course most famous for dragging KU to the national title in 1988. The 11 losses are still the most ever by a national champion. Manning had a ridiculous 31 points and 18 rebounds in that title game, and added 5 steals and 2 blocks.

Manning won the National Player of the Year award that year, and was a 3-time NCAA all tourney performer, a 3-time All-American, as well as NCAA Tournament MOP in 1988.

Manning also won the Big 8 player of the year award three years in a row, something I know no Jayhawk will ever do again.

Manning made more field goals than anyone in Big 8 history (and shot over 60 percent on twos for his career), and also scored more points than anyone in Big 8 history. Far from just a scorer, though, Manning is 5th in rebounds, 6th in blocks, and 7th in steals. He led the league in blocks per game two seasons in a row.

Manning was also named the Big 8 player of the decade in the ‘80s, and played on the US Olympic team in the 1988 games in Seoul.

Manning’s professional career was marred by injuries, but that shouldn’t overshadow the excellence he displayed all four years in Lawrence. He had a true shooting percentage of 62 percent and had a career turnover rate of just 14 percent. He also shot 74 percent at the line. He was a dominant, consistent scorer, dominant rebounder, excellent defender, and dragged KU across the line for a national title, which probably makes him the most beloved Jayhawk ever.