The Pitt basketball team is in search of a big man and have made an offer to one from Ohio.
Sterling Manley (6-10, 230) is a power forward from Pickerington, Ohio and recently got a call from the Pitt coaching staff.
“When I got the Pitt offer I was very surprised,” said Manley. “I knew that the whole Pitt program had just got Coach Stallings and his coaching staff from Vanderbilt, and I knew before them the head coach was Jamie Dixon but now he is at TCU, but saying all that I really didn’t know too much about the Pitt program. It’s crazy because my dad is from there so I’ve been up there plenty of times.”
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Speaking of Pittsburgh, Manley received the offer while he was in town.
“When my team and I got in the building to the arena, I had said “Hi” to one of the coaches and kept walking. Then Coach Richardson came over and was talking to one of the assistant coaches and he called me over. He asked me how I was doing and everything, and how my leg was doing from my past injury and what I knew about Pitt,” said Manley. ”
“After we get done with that he asked for my phone information and said, ‘let’s get this recruiting process started.’ Then Coach Stallings came over and was like, “I heard this guy can play some ball.” So then me and him pulled up a chair and started talking about things and after a few minutes went by of talking and stuff he said, “I’ve never done this before but I’m going to offer you a full ride scholarship to Pitt, I haven’t even really seen you play but just from talking to you and your character, I can already tell you are my type of guy and a likable guy and I want you here period,” said Manley.
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During Manley’s talk with Stallings, a couple things that he said stuck out to him.
“The most important thing that they said to me while I was there was that when I come there I’d have the chance to play right away and also I’d play the best of the best,” said Manley.
Stallings isn’t the first coach to offer this talented big man. Manley also has offers from West Virginia, Nebraska, Akron, Dayton, Xavier, Old Dominion and Kent State. Manley also tells me that Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, UCLA, Stanford, Wisconsin, Butler, Syracuse and Villanova are also recruiting him hard.
Last season, Manley averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. When I asked him the strengths of his game, he listed defense (blocking shots, protecting the rim), his mid-range game and nice touch around the basket.
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So what upcoming trips does Manley have scheduled and will Pitt get a visit?
“Some of my upcoming visits will be Nebraska, West Virginia and Pitt will definitely be getting a visit too.”
“All my options are open and everything is on the table right now. Most likely my final decision will be coming in the spring after my school basketball season is over.”
// Header image: Sterling Manley – Photo courtesy of Sterling Manley
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