Sterling Manley felt like a kid again last weekend in Tampa.
The 7-foot, 250-pound former North Carolina center was a big kid on the court at the Tampa Bay Pro Basketball Combine. He was smiling, laughing, enjoying basketball again – and standing out as a result.
Being on the court was fun, especially now that the 22-year-old Ohio native and Gophers' target is finally healthy and getting the chance to showcase his talent.
"That was the biggest thing for me was playing basketball again," the redshirt junior told the Star Tribune. "I don't know what the future holds and what the next step is, but I know right now I'm having fun and getting better at basketball."
New Gophers coach Ben Johnson and his staff have been in constant contact, which makes them as good a landing spot as any if Manley stays in school.
Manley, who entered the transfer portal in late March, averaged 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 58 career games, but his breakout performance alongside NBA hopefuls last weekend proved that the knee issues sidelining him for most of his UNC career appear to be far in his rearview mirror.
Highlighted by a 24-point game in Saturday's combine action, Manley averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in four games. He measured 7-1 in shoes, with a 7-4 wingspan and displayed impressive athleticism with a 35-inch vertical leap.
An announcement on returning to college or pursuing a pro career is expected to come after Manley competes in the Myrtle Beach International Combine from June 13-15 in South Carolina.