Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, May 9, 1994 TAG: 9405090008
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Manns, the point guard for Patrick Henry High School when it won the 1992 Group AAA state basketball championship, will have two years of eligibility starting with the 1995-96 season.
"I pretty much had my mind set before I ever went down there," said Manns, who visited Tech on Friday. "The only way I wasn't going was if something had happened to turn me off."
Manns took no other visits, although he considered Radford, Virginia Commonwealth and East Tennessee State. Radford was the only program that had a scholarship available for him next season.
"I definitely feel I'm able to play at a higher level, and the Metro [Conference] is a step up from the Colonial," said Manns, who averaged 11.9 points and accumulated 161 assists.
"Originally, I had decided that after spring break I would transfer Manns to Old Dominion, but Coach [Oliver] Purnell left and it took too long for them to name a new coach."
If Manns had transferred to Old Dominion or another CAA program, he would have been required to pay his way for one year. At Tech, he may receive a scholarship as soon as one becomes available.
The Hokies are at the 13-scholarship NCAA limit, counting grants for three signees and transfer David Jackson, and are not expected to lose anybody after next season.
"It's not going to be a problem," said Manns, who will be eligible for aid based on need. "The only way I will receive a scholarship is if somebody leaves, but I've been promised the first available scholarship."
Manns has made an oral commitment to Tech because NCAA rules prohibit a student-athlete from signing more than one letter of intent. As a result, the Hokies are not prepared to discuss his recruitment.
Manns, who is 6 feet 1, will join a cast of Tech point guards that includes 1993-94 starter Shawn Good and signee Myron Guillory. When Manns becomes eligible, Good will be a senior and Guillory a sophomore.
"I'm used to sharing time," said Manns, who started 18 of 27 games for George Mason but was second on the team in minutes. "I didn't ask for any promises [from the Hokies] and they didn't ask for any promises from me."
Manns, a CAA all-rookie selection in 1992-93, played one season under Ernie Nestor before George Mason replaced him with Paul Westhead, who favors a run-and-gun style that produced NCAA scoring records at Loyola Marymount.
"I just never felt comfortable," said Manns, a first-team All-Group AAA choice at Patrick Henry. "We were playing so fast that I never felt I was under control."
Manns has played against future Hokies teammates Delwyn Dillard and Ace Custis in all-star games, but said he knows little about the Hokies. Moreover, Tech coach Bill Foster is assisting with an international team and was not in Blacksburg for Manns' visit.
"I never thought about going to Dayton [with Purnell] because Dayton wasn't too good and I've been 7-21 before," said Manns, referring to his first season at George Mason.
Tech is coming off an 18-10 season.
by CNB