Yuri Manns '6'3'165 2023' LC Bird High School, Richmond VA
Yuri is easily one of the best shooters in Virginia regardless of classification! 'He is a highly skilled and versatile shot-maker with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor using catch and shoot jumpers, dribble pull-ups, shooting off screens, 'skillful floaters, or finishing at the rim he poses a nightmare matchup for defenses. 'He has a terrific basketball frame featuring excellent length from his long legs and wingspan to his broad shoulders. 'Yuri plays with great poise and maturity and demonstrates a great understanding of the game, spacing, and movement. 'He is not an overly explosive athlete but the threat of his jumper presents so many offensive options that he exploits with tremendous versatility and skill. 'His jumper is a thing of beauty, his shot mechanics fluid, and his footwork sound. 'He uses the hop step displaying tremendous footwork and shot preparation where he loads his hips and legs early allowing him to get his shot off quickly. 'It also allows him to transfer his momentum into his shot effectively which has made him such an efficient shooter even well beyond the three-point arc. 'Regardless of the situation, he is always able to get his hips aligned and square to the rim which is a credit to his great footwork. Yuri can create off the dribble and get his own shot or find the open man. '
He attacks hard closeouts with long strides and a solid handle and plays off hesitations nicely. 'Yuri demonstrates great vision and passing skills and he is comfortable and effective at either guard position. He can contort his body and slice through traffic and get to the rim, playing through contact nicely. 'Finishes with both hands at the rim. When he cannot get to the rim Yuri can pull up and nail the jumper off the dribble at a high rate or finish against length with the floater demonstrating a great touch. 'Comfortable and efficient all-around middle game. 'He makes great decisions and quick reads off-ball screens and is always under control. 'He protects the basketball and shields his body nicely when going to the basket against bigger defenders allowing him to absorb contact nicely. 'Yuri Is a solid on-ball defender, excellent footwork, and mobility, uses his long wingspan which allows him to also get deflections. 'He plays passing lanes well and is always in position defensively. 'Very reliable defensive player. '
Yuri comes from great basketball roots as he is the son of the very successful LC Bird high School Head Basketball Coach Troy Manns who played his high school basketball in Roanoke at Patrick Henry High School leading them to the 1992 VHSL State Championship. 'Coach Manns went on to star at George Mason making the All Freshman team but with a coaching change decided to attend Virginia Tech which brought him close to home. ''Coach Manns had a stellar career with the Hokies and led them to the 1995 NIT Championship! 'Yuri could be an even better prospect because he has the great length his Dad was not blessed with and he has his Dad's experiences and wisdom to build off of. 'Yuri had a great freshman year for a young and extremely talented LC Bird team and has already caught the attention of college coaches. 'He should have a brilliant high school career and become a highly sought after player in the 2023 class.