Manning signs deal with Detroit

Patience has paid off for former Kansas University All-America forward Danny Manning.

The 36-year-old Manning, who played for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks last season but hadn’t landed a guaranteed contract this season, Wednesday signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Detroit Pistons.

Manning — he’d also received recent interest from the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves — told the Detroit Free Press the Pistons’ desire to sign him for the rest of the season was a factor. He’ll be paid $500,000 for a half-season’s work.

“It’s a team of great chemistry,” Manning told the Detroit Free Press before Wednesday’s home game against the Clippers. “They want me here and I want to be here. I feel like I can make a contribution.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be on the court or in games, but I can come to practice every day and find my niche. It’s nice to be back in the league and it’s nice to go to a team that’s doing well and is successful,” Manning said.

The Pistons, who entered Wednesday’s game with a 31-15 record, desperately need some inside help. Yugoslavian center Zeljko Rebraca recently was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, and Don Reed has torn his Achilles tendon and is out for the season.

To make room for Manning, the Pistons placed guard Pepe Sanchez on the injured list.

“He’s just a really good basketball player, sound in all phases and a guy that can play multiple positions,” Pistons coach Rick Carlisle said of Manning, who has been living in Lawrence since last summer and has regularly practiced with KU’s basketball team this season.

“This is a guy that has been around, knows the league and is one of the smartest players you’re ever going to come across. I think he’s the type of player you can send out there not knowing anything and he could play and play well,” Carlisle said.

A two-time All-Star and a 15-year veteran, Manning has also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. He’s averaged 14.2 points and 5.3 boards in 870 games.

“We are pleased to be able to sign a veteran player like Danny Manning at this point in the season,” Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said. “Danny has averaged double figures and shot over 50 percent throughout his career and we feel he is a great addition to our team.”

  • Williams feels for Calhoun: KU coach Roy Williams is a good friend of UConn coach Jim Calhoun, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“You might remember when we coached the (USA Basketball) Under 22 team, Jimmy was on the staff. I spent a night at his house. It’s really a great family,” Williams said. “He is a great person and great coach. We’ve got to do everything we can do to fight that disease. Early detection is important. It’s another reason I felt it important we honor (former Missouri coach Norm) Stewart. His work with Coaches vs. Cancer is so important. We have to do all we can to fight this disease.”

  • Signee in star game: KU signee David Padgett, a 6-11 forward from Reno, Nev., will play for the East team in the EA Sports Roundball Classic on March 31 at Chicago’s United Center.