Prospect Spotlight: Jaylen Manning (2020)
Jaylen Manning, a class of 2020 guard from Reservoir High School, has risen to prominence during a breakout senior campaign for the 20-4 Gators. His impact on the game, beyond just scoring, was on full display during last night’s hard-fought 36-35 home win over River Hill in the 3A East Regional Semifinals. Listed at 5-foot-9, Manning was the smallest player on the court but pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds. And these weren’t regular rebounds, he can go out of his area and get them over much taller players. Manning has taken ownership of his team and understands as the point guard it’s his job to push them toward positive results.
One other thing that stood out about Manning’s overall game is his ability to make the right play regardless of how the defense is set up. He reads defenses and can deliver accurate passes to the open man.
“I look at my teammates first since I’m a point guard,” Manning explained. “It’s pass-first then score. If I see a double team I stay calm, ball fake, and do what I have to do to get the pass off.”
No one expected him to be this good after playing JV his first two years at Reservoir, but Manning quietly improved during his junior year and has continued to do so this season. How much better can he get in one or two years? The main weakness in Manning’s game appears to be his shooting. This is something he is working hard to improve, and this is certainly something that can get better over time.
Some D3’s have sniffed around, but it appears that the climax of Manning’s recruitment has not yet occurred. His future is bright and whatever school that takes a chance on him could be getting a steal.