University of Oklahoma Athletics
Introducing: Akolda Manyang
July 14, 2015 | Men's Basketball
NORMAN — The third and final subject in our summer get-to-know series for men's basketball is junior center Akolda Manyang, a 7-foot, 243-pounder who transferred from Indian Hills Community College in Iowa and is OU's tallest player since 7-2 Oleg Retzsov in the 1999-2000 season.
One of the most coveted junior college players in the country last year, Manyang will wear No. 30 this season for the Sooners. That's fitting, considering the last OU player to wear that number is Manyang's cousin, Longar Longar.
Asked whether the 6-11 Longar, who was OU's second-leading scorer his junior (2006-07) and senior (2007-08) seasons, played a role in his decision to become a Sooner, Manyang said his cousin's words were indeed a factor.
"I watched him a lot (when he was at OU)," continued Manyang. "I used to watch the games and I always wanted to be in that Division I environment. I feel like that just kind of gives me a motivation to try to do the same stuff he did, or even more. He always gives me a lot of advice too."
Manyang was born in Sudan, moved to Houston, Texas, when he was 2 and then to Rochester, Minn., when he was 14. He describes himself as a guy who will do whatever is asked of him on the court.
"I'm just an all-around player," he said. "I like to do whatever is best for my team. If I have to rebound, I'm going to go rebound. If I have to block shots, I'm going to block shots. If I have to score, I'm going to score."
Learn more about Manyang in the embedded video above and in the following Q&A.
GET TO KNOW AKOLDA MANYANG
Shoe Size: 14
Roommate(s): Bola Alade
Interests/Hobbies Besides Basketball: I can cook and I love fishing
Favorite Food: eggs and lasagna
Least Favorite Food: fish
Favorite Late Night Snack: Oreos and milk
Prized Possession: my iPhone 6 plus
Three Words That Describe Me: hard-working, big-hearted, chillax
Favorite Spot on Campus: the weight room and cafeteria
My Best Non-Athletic Talent: eating
I Don't Know What I'd Do Without My: family and friends
People Wouldn't Believe Me if I Told Them That I: grew seven inches in one summer
Best Piece of Advice I've Received: "Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today."
My Sports Hero: Kevin Durant
A Moment In History I'd Like to Have Witnessed: Wilt the Stilt scoring 100 points
Person I Would Most Like to Hang Out With for a Day: Bob Marley
Meal I Prepare for Myself Most Often: eggs
My Celebrity Crush: Kendall Jenner
Craziest Thing I've Done: jump off a cliff
Biggest Fear: not succeeding
I Wish I Was Better At: dancing
Favorite Activity as a Child: swimming
Favorite Music Artist: 2 Pac
Favorite NBA Team: Atlanta Hawks
Favorite Non-NBA Pro Team: Seattle Seahawks
What I've Been Working on the Most During the Offseason: shooting and getting stronger
My Pregame Ritual: pray
My Advice to Youngsters is: "Stay in school."
