6-11, 215-pound center John Manning turned in a solid sophomore season in 2008/2009, averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds and over three blocks per game for Chantilly High School’s (VA) varsity basketball squad. Manning, who boasts a 7’1″ wing span, is pleased with how he developed as a sophomore.

“I feel like I got a lot stronger since my freshman year, my free throws improved and I think we did better overall as a team,” Manning said. “Now, I’m working on improving my outside game with a jump shot and with my ball-handling. I’m focusing a lot on conditioning and staying in shape.”

Looking to improve his game against top competition, Manning is suiting up for the Boo Williams Summer League squad on the AAU circuit.

“It’s a lot different than where I play,” Manning said of playing for the Boo Williams AAU squad, which consists of top talents such as rising senior point guard Kendall Marshall (UNC recruit), rising senior guard Andre Dawkins (Duke recruit), rising senior forward Travis McKie (Wake Forest recruit) and highly rated rising junior forward James McAdoo, among others. “It’s good for me because it’s more like the college game, with bigger guys and stronger guys.”

...