Manning transfers defensive intensity to C.W. Post
Sophomore guard Chris Manning played in Molloy's three lopsided losses to C.W. Post last season.
"It was real frustrating,'' he said. "Losing to them by something like 30 points each time.''
Manning invoked a form of free agency and now he has joined the Pioneers, with whom he is likely to start in the backcourt. In Division II, athletes do not have to sit out when they transfer, so Manning becomes eligible immediately.
Post originally recruited Manning out of Baldwin High School. "We didn't offer [a scholarship] to him,'' Post coach Tim Cluess said, "because we had Nick Carter coming in.'' Carter was one of the stars on a team that won its first 30 games before losing to Findlay (Ohio) in the Elite Eight.
Cluess was surprised when he learned of Manning's interest. "They sent us the release and that is how I knew he was available,'' he said.
Actually, this was not a case of if you can't beat them, join them. "I wanted to go to a school that had dorms,'' Manning said. "I had the release sent to see if they [Post] were still interested.''
Who wouldn't be? Manning averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 assists and 3.5 steals for Molloy. "I think I could be a defensive leader,'' he said. He is looking forward to playing against Molloy. "I'm still friends with all the guys over there,'' Manning said.OUTLOOK
Last year: 30-1, 18-0 ECC
Coach: Tim Cluess, fourth season (75-17)
Players to watch: G Roberto Macklin ( 7.0 pts., 4.0 rebs.), G Gilbert Montalvo (3.2 pts., 2.2 rebs., 2.4 assts.), F James Tchana (3.5 pts., 3.5 rebs.).
New faces: G Chris Manning, G Billy Butler, F Aaron Hall, F Nemanja Jokic, F-G Deshawn Gibbons. Brandon Butler, Billy's twin, has a concussion and may sit out.
What to like: Bigger frontcourt with potential of more inside scoring and enhanced rebounding. Running game, a hallmark of all Cluess teams, will not be sacrificed.
Why be concerned: Roster turns over, stars from last season (Nick Carter, Jonathan Schmidt) have graduated.
Outlook: Preseason No. 1 pick in the conference should hold up, despite all the newcomers. Cluess doesn't rebuild, he reloads.
Coach says: "Our biggest problem right now is that we have so many new bodies trying to figure it out and learn what we're doing. How long will it take for them to understand everything we are doing? We'll look for the team to fight for a championship like we do every year. I think we'll get better as the season goes on. I think we'll be a pretty competitive team all year long.''
SCHEDULE
Nov. 21 at Millersville 4 p.m.
Dec. 2 at Bridgeport 7 p.m.
Dec. 5 Mercy 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 Dowling 7 p.m.
Dec. 12 at NYIT 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 18 at Northwest Missouri State (High Desert Classic, Las Vegas) 4:45 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Central Missouri (High Desert Classic, Las Vegas) 2 p.m.
Dec. 28 Saint Rose 6 p.m.
Dec. 30 Daemen 5 p.m.
Jan. 2 Evangel (Mo.) 3 p.m.
Jan. 6 Molloy 7 p.m.
Jan. 9 Saint Thomas Aquinas 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 at Queens 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13 Bridgeport 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 at Mercy 2 p.m.
Jan. 20 at Dowling 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 NYIT 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Molloy 8 p.m.
Jan. 30 at Saint Thomas Aquinas 3 p.m.
Feb. 3 Queens 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 at Bridgeport 3 p.m.
Feb. 10 Mercy 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 Dowling 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 17 NYIT 7 p.m.
Feb. 20 Molloy 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 24 Saint Thomas Aquinas 7 p.m.
Feb. 27 at Queens 7 p.m.
