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NCAA Basketball: Who are the best D-I coaches who have played professional basketball?

By Daniel Benjamin

Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing works with a player before their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing works with a player before their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Danny Manning talks to forward John Collins (20) in the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Danny Manning talks to forward John Collins (20) in the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Danny Manning, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Danny Manning had a fabulous college playing career and a respectful NBA career. However, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft had his career derailed by injuries. Still, Manning managed to top 12,000 points, 4,600 rebounds, 2,000 assists, 1,000 steals and 750 blocks. He played for seven teams in his 15 years.

Manning got his start in the coaching business serving as Kansas’ team manager. The 50-year old was with the Jayhawks from 2003-12, with the last six years being as an assistant coach. He got his first taste of being a head coach at Tulsa, where he went 38-29 over two seasons. The Golden Hurricane claimed both the Conference USA’s regular season and tournament titles in 2014.

Manning was named head coach of Wake Forest on April 4, 2014. The Demon Deacons went 19-14 and reached the NCAA Tournament in 2016-17. The 2017 Skip Prosser Award winner is 43-51 at Wake and 81-81 overall.

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