Danny Manning, one of the most decorated and complex figures in modern basketball history, is currently focused on the next chapter of his storied career, serving as an Assistant Coach for the University of Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball program as of the 2024-2025 season. This latest role under Head Coach Tad Boyle marks a return to the collegiate sidelines and a fresh opportunity to mentor the next generation of players, bringing with him an unparalleled resume as a National Player of the Year, NCAA Champion, and NBA All-Star.

The move to Boulder, announced in June 2024, has injected a significant dose of high-level playing and coaching experience into the Buffaloes' staff. Manning’s presence is immediately felt, particularly in player development, where his 15 years in the NBA and extensive coaching background at various levels provide a unique, invaluable perspective for the Colorado program as they navigate the challenges of the competitive college basketball landscape.

The Complete Biography and Career Profile of Danny Manning

Daniel Ricardo Manning is a name synonymous with college basketball greatness, a legacy forged in the late 1980s that paved the way for a long and successful professional career, followed by a transition into coaching.

• Full Name: Daniel Ricardo Manning
• Born: May 17, 1966 (Age 59 as of December 2025)
• Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas (attended Lawrence High School)
• College: University of Kansas (1984–1988)
• College Highlights:
  • NCAA Champion (1988)
  • NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1988)
  • Naismith College Player of the Year (1988)
  • John R. Wooden Award Winner (1988)
  • Consensus First-Team All-American (1987, 1988)
  • All-Time Leading Scorer and Rebounder for Kansas
• NBA Draft: 1st overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers (1988)
• Professional Career: 15 seasons (1988–2003)
• NBA Teams: Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons
• NBA Highlights:
  • NBA All-Star (1993, 1994)
  • NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1998 with Phoenix Suns)
• Coaching Career:
  • Assistant Coach, Kansas Jayhawks (2003–2012) – 2008 NCAA Champion
  • Head Coach, Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2012–2014)
  • Head Coach, Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2014–2020)
  • Assistant Coach, Maryland Terrapins (2021–2022)
  • Interim Head Coach, Maryland Terrapins (2021–2022)
  • Assistant Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (2024–Present)

Chapter One: The Legend of ‘Danny and the Miracles’

Danny Manning's college career at the University of Kansas is the stuff of basketball folklore. His four years culminated in one of the most improbable national championship runs in NCAA Tournament history, etching his name permanently into the sport’s elite pantheon.

The 1988 Kansas Jayhawks team, often affectionately dubbed "Danny and the Miracles," entered the tournament as a number six seed—a relatively low seeding for a team that would go on to win the title. Manning's dominance throughout the tournament was unmatched, carrying the team through a series of upsets to the championship game against their Big Eight rival, the Oklahoma Sooners.

In the final, he delivered a legendary performance that secured the title, posting a phenomenal 31 points, 18 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks. This double-double masterclass earned him the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award and capped a season where he also won the Naismith College Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award. His college statistics remain staggering, as he is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder for the storied Kansas program.

Chapter Two: The NBA Journey and the Sixth Man Stint

Following his collegiate heroics, Manning was the consensus choice for the number one overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Clippers. His professional career spanned 15 seasons with seven different teams, a testament to his resilience and versatility as a power forward and small forward.

Despite being hampered by serious knee injuries throughout his career, Manning proved his worth as a high-impact player. He was named an NBA All-Star twice, in 1993 and 1994, while playing for the Clippers. He finished his career with impressive total statistics, accumulating 12,367 points, 4,615 rebounds, and a scoring average of 14.0 points per game across 883 regular-season games.

Perhaps his most celebrated professional achievement outside of his All-Star nods came late in his career. In the 1997-1998 season, playing for the Phoenix Suns, Manning fully embraced a reserve role, becoming one of the most effective bench players in the league. His production and efficiency off the bench were recognized with the prestigious NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, a highlight of his post-Clippers journey that demonstrated his adaptability and commitment to winning.

Chapter Three: The Coaching Grind and Current Role with Colorado Buffaloes

Manning’s transition to coaching began where his playing career peaked: the University of Kansas. He spent nine seasons as an assistant coach for the Jayhawks, contributing to the program's 2008 NCAA Championship—adding a national title as a coach to his title as a player.

His success at Kansas led to head coaching opportunities, first at Tulsa, where he quickly guided the Golden Hurricane to an NCAA Tournament appearance, and then at Wake Forest. While his tenure at Wake Forest was challenging and ended in 2020, it provided him with invaluable experience in the demanding role of a Power Five head coach. He then had a brief stint as an assistant and interim head coach at Maryland before finding his current home.

The Latest Chapter: Colorado Buffaloes Assistant Coach

The most current and relevant news regarding Danny Manning is his role as an assistant coach for the Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team, a position he accepted in June 2024 under Head Coach Tad Boyle. Boyle, a respected figure in college basketball, sought to add Manning's elite-level experience to his staff, particularly to aid in player development and recruiting.

Manning’s specific focus on the Colorado staff is leveraging his experience as a former number one overall pick and NBA All-Star to mentor the Buffaloes' frontcourt players. His unique perspective—having succeeded at every level of the game—is a powerful tool for teaching young athletes the intricacies of the game, from post moves to professional conditioning and longevity.

In the competitive Pac-12 (and the future Big 12 for Colorado), having a coach who can speak from the perspective of a collegiate legend and a successful NBA professional is a significant advantage. His presence is not just about X's and O's; it’s about providing a roadmap for players aspiring to reach the NBA, making him an invaluable asset to the Colorado Buffaloes basketball program in the 2024-2025 season and beyond.