manker signs at OSU

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SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Chris Manker's LOI Signing At
Oregon State Is Official--(Apr. 19, 2000)

Here's the official press release from the school. We reported this signing last week (actually at the time, we reported it just as a "commitment" since the LOI hadn't been received by the Beavers) but now the school has made it official, and this press release provides some additional information and the usual bio material, along with some quotes and other similar stuff from the coaching staff at Oregon State:

Chris Manker Signs with the Men's Basketball program.
The power forward/center prospect chooses OSU over three other schools.

Corvallis, Ore. - Chris Manker of Laguna Beach, Cal., has signed a national letter of intent to play men's basketball at Oregon State University, it was announced Thursday by Beaver first-year Head Coach Ritchie McKay.

Manker, a 6'10" 210-pound forward/center prospect, is currently attending Laguna Beach High School. He averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds in the recently concluded season, and earned Orange County Register's All-Star Team and first team All-Pacific Coast League honors.

"I'm pleased to have a young man with Chris' ability and character join our program," McKay said. "His talents make him a player who can contribute immediately, and as he develops physically he will have the tools to be an all-conference candidate."

Manker transferred to Laguna High School prior to his senior year. He had lived in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Valley High School until moving with his father to California. He played two years of varsity basketball at Valley and helped the team to a second-place finish at the state 4A tournament in 1999.

"He is an exceptionally skilled athlete," Laguna Beach Head Coach Bret Fleming said. "He has terrific hands, good footwork, and has outstanding shooting range. His defense is improving, and that facet of his game will only get better with added strength. Chris is also one of the nicest young men you will ever meet."

Manker, who was originally recruited by McKay and his staff at Colorado State University, was also pursued by Southern California, Utah State, and Fresno State.

"I think highly of Coach McKay and his staff," Manker said about his decision to attend Oregon State University. "I feel strongly about having a good relationship with the coaching staff, because I haven't always enjoyed that in my playing career. In addition, I liked the campus and the current players on the team."

Manker, who is OSU's first signee by McKay, joins center Derek Potter of North Vancouver, B.C. as the school's letter of intent signings to date. The Beavers have three scholarships available for the remainder of the period, which concludes May 15.