Reunited Jayhawks: Danny Manning and Tad Boyle's Shared Journey from the Court to the Sidelines

Danny Manning, the former Kansas Jayhawks star and NBA standout, has reunited with his old teammate Tad Boyle, now the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team. The two have come a long way since their days on the court together, and their shared experiences have shaped their paths as coaches in the game they love.

Forging a Lasting Bond: From Teammates to Coaching Colleagues

Shared Roots, Divergent Paths

When Danny Manning arrived at Kansas in the fall of 1984, he was already on the cusp of stardom. Tad Boyle, on the other hand, was a respected senior leader for the Jayhawks, though he never quite found the same level of individual success as a player. Yet, their paths would eventually converge, as Boyle found his niche as a coach, while Manning embarked on a storied career that included a national championship, the top overall draft pick, and a lengthy NBA tenure.

Mentorship and Mutual Respect

Boyle's leadership and basketball acumen left a lasting impression on Manning during their time as Jayhawks. "He was always a coach on the floor," Manning recalled. "We gave him the nickname 'Cap,' the younger players, because of his leadership. Because of the way he saw the game. It's easy to follow someone when you know their spirit is good." Boyle's ability to challenge and hold his teammates accountable, while maintaining a genuine and approachable demeanor, was a quality that Manning admired and sought to emulate in his own coaching style.

Reuniting in Boulder

Now, after decades of pursuing their respective coaching careers, Boyle and Manning have reunited in Boulder, where Boyle has hired Manning as an assistant coach for the Colorado Buffaloes. This reunion marks a significant milestone in their shared journey, as they once again have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another on the sidelines.

Complementary Strengths and a Shared Vision

Boyle recognizes the value that Manning brings to the Buffaloes' coaching staff. "Danny brings, No. 1, experience. He brings great experience as a player, but also as a coach," Boyle said. "Having coached at Kansas with Bill Self. Being the head coach at Tulsa and the head coach at Wake Forest. He was with Mark Turgeon at Maryland. Was with Kenny Payne recently at Louisville. So he's had a lot of experience coaching in different leagues. He knows the game." This wealth of experience, combined with Manning's deep understanding of the game and his genuine desire to "help impart wisdom and have a positive effect on young men's lives," make him a valuable asset to Boyle's program.

Weathering the Test of Time

Boyle's tenure at Colorado has been marked by a relatively low level of coaching turnover, a testament to his ability to build a cohesive and successful program. The addition of Manning to the staff further strengthens this foundation, as the two former Jayhawks reunite to continue their shared journey in the coaching ranks. "Whenever a coach has been at one place the amount of time that Tad's been here, they're doing something right," Manning said. "For me, it's also a chance to come in and learn from Tad, learn from the staff that's been here a while and continue to work on my craft."As Danny Manning and Tad Boyle embark on this new chapter of their coaching careers, their shared history and mutual respect serve as a strong foundation for their continued collaboration and success. The reunion of these two Jayhawks promises to bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and a shared passion for the game to the Colorado Buffaloes program.