CHICAGO, Sept. 12 -- Mark Bartelstein and Priority Sports would like to announce the retirement of Danny Manning. After 15 storied seasons in the NBA, Manning has decided to leave the court as a player and return to his alma mater, Kansas University, where he will be actively involved with the athletic department and the men's basketball program in particular.

Clippers GM Elgin Baylor made Danny Manning the
No. 1 pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Manning leaves behind an illustrious career that includes numerous highlights and accomplishments. As a collegiate superstar, he was named the 1987-88 Wooden and Naismith Awards winner as he led his Jayhawks to an NCAA title. Those achievements were followed up by being the first overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.

Manning is a two time NBA All-Star who ends his career with more than 12,000 points, 4,500 rebounds and 2,000 assists. He earned the 1997-98 NBA Sixth Man Award while a member of the Phoenix Suns. Manning is not only leaving his mark on the court; he will also go down in history as one of the few athletes in sports to have overcome three separate ACL injuries.

Manning's passion for the game, however, has not subsided. Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins and head basketball coach Bill Self have provided Manning with the perfect opportunity. He will be working with young athletes both on and off the court at Kansas, where he earned a degree in communications, as both a mentor and an advisor.

Priority Sports congratulates Danny Manning on an excellent career and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

"It has been a pleasure and a honor to represent Danny Manning. He exemplifies everything you look for in a professional athlete," said Priority Sports President Mark Bartelstein.