Q&A: Tamron Manning

At 6'3, Tamron Manning is considered by many recruiting services to be the top prospect in the class of 2012 here in Kentucky. The sophomore to be has been making a name for himself for years on a national level through school ball and also on the AAU circuit. Manning was a key player for the Scott County Cardinals last season, despite playing on a veteran team that featured 4 other D1 prospects in Dakotah Euton, Richie Phares, Ge'Lawn Guyn, and Chad Jackson. Manning's strength and ability to get to the rim and ballhawking defense made him a tough match up for many opposing teams. Although Manning is one of the most athletic and talented players in his class, he has been striving to get better this offseason. I recently had the chance to catch up with Tamron and here is what he had to say:

What are some of the things you've been working on over the summer?

I've been getting more range on my shot and I've also been doing a lot of ball handling drills.

Where do you feel like you need to improve most?

I really need to develop a consistent 3point shot.

What are some of your personal goals this season for yourself and your team?

Myself, I wanna make my team better and be a leader. For my team I want to make it to Rupp and cut the nets down.

What was it like walking off the court last year at EKU after Lexcath upset you guys in region? How has that motivated you?

It was a bad feeling...I've stayed in the gym and have worked really hard to try and make sure i never have that feeling ever again.

What do you and your team need to do to be successful against the other top teams around the state?

Just play together..we are still very talented, so we just have to play as a team and do all the little things.

How has playing with veterans like Euton, Jackson, and Guyn helped develop your game?

Well it's helped greatly. Everyday in practice getting to go up against high d-1 competition has really helped me.

Are you hearing from any schools right now?

Yes...Oklahoma , Louisville , Indiana , Tennessee , Cincinnati , Florida St , Virgina Tech , Miami , and Alabama.

A lot of recruiting services consider you the best prospect in KY for the class of 2012. What's your take on that?

Well..it's nice..but I have a long way to go. Kentucky is a good basketball state so players are working hard everyday..I just have to continue to seperate myself.

Last question...what do you feel you bring to your team as a person and athlete?

I bring athleticism, scoring, and defensive presence. As a person I bring a leader and a positive attitude.

Notes:

- If you've yet to see this kid play, you really need to get out and watch him. He is going to be a very special player over the next 3 years. He is already very physically and mentally developed for his age and plays with a lot of intensity out on the court. When it's all said and done, I have a feeling he'll be playing high D1 ball somewhere.

- With Tamron being a year older and Scott Co. returning Guyn, Euton, and Jackson, they are a heavy favorite to cut down the nets in March at Rupp Arena. Their lineup will be a match up nightmare for opposing teams.

- Although he's only a sophomore, Manning has to be mentioned when compiling a list of the top players around the state, regardless of class. Many who are close to the Scott Co program have said he may very well end up being the best player to ever come out of Georgetown. That says a lot considering all of the talented players who have played under Billy Hicks and also at SC.

- With Scott Co. playing their traditional tough schedule and travelling out of state for tournaments, expect Manning to blow up this season and start receiving a lot of attention nationally on the recruiting trail.

-Lastly, I'd like to thank Tamron for his time and wish him good luck this upcoming season.