"Individual accolades are nice, but team accomplishments are all that matter in basketball."

The last time the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team lost three games in a row was way back in 1988 (they actually lost four).  Oddly enough, that was the same year that Danny and the Miracles led KU to a National Championship.  Maybe KU can relive 1988 this year to cap off the 75th Anniversary of the Final Four?  They did avoid four straight losses last night at the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse by thumping # 10 K-State, so things seem right again in basketball land.  You know what else seems right?  Andy doing a quick interview with Kansas Basketball legend Danny Manning!

Andy:  Do you ever get tired of fielding questions about the 1988 Championship Title?

Danny:  Absolutely not.  That was a great night for our team and our school.  Every time I think and talk about that night, plus the fun we had winning those five games getting to to the Championship - that always puts me in a great mood!

Andy:  As well it should..  What about the mountain of accolades and awards you've collected over your illustrious college and NBA careers - Is there one you cherish more than any other, and can you give a reason or reasons why?

Danny:  My time in the NBA was great and I made a lot of great friendships over the years.  Plus, I learned a lot from the different coaches I played for.  However, winning the National Championship at KU was the most important.  I would have loved to win an NBA Championship, but unfortunately that didn't work out.  Individual accolades are nice, but team accomplishments are all that matter in basketball.

Andy:  Did you always have in the back of your mind that you would return to Kansas in some capacity after you finished your NBA career?

Danny:  I did.  I love Lawrence and I love that we raised our children in Lawrence.  Plus, I knew I wanted to coach.  My dad coached for many years, and I really enjoy sharing the things I learned from him and all of the coaches I've had and with the young men that I've had the pleasure to know.

Andy:  Can you give us a comparison between playing and coaching on the college level - One more fun or more challenging, etc.?

Danny:  Coaching is tough and playing is more fun.  When playing, you have one person to listen to and you try your best to execute his instructions.  When coaching, you have at least 12 players to instruct and you try to make sure all members of the team are on the same page and working toward the same goal.  However, coaching is extremely rewarding.  When you've recruited and selected a team, then you watch those guys execute the techniques and concepts that you've taught....That's a great feeling!  Teaching the game I love, and helping young men improve is what I love the most about coaching.

" I love how the graphic artists captured the font from the jerseys we wore"

Andy:  We're honored to have your jersey-t (above) in our Retro Brand collection.  What is it that you like about our shirts in particular?

Danny:  I love the feel of the Retro Brand shirts.... they are the softest t-shirts I've ever worn!  I also love how your graphic artists captured the font from the jerseys we wore.  I love wearing the Retro Brand shirts and I'm sure KU fans do too!  ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!

Andy:  Thanks for your time and the very kind words and ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK right back at you Danny!

Danny Manning is currently the Head Coach of the the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.  You can find the Danny Manning Retro Brand player shirt featured above, and lots more Kansas Retro Brand gear on Rallyhouse.com