Arizona commit Mannion named National Basketball Athlete of the Year

Nico Mannion’s trophy case has become quite full over his career at Pinnacle High School, and on Monday he added another one, as he was named Boys’ Basketball Athlete of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

The Arizona commit averaged 30.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this season, and led Pinnacle to its second consecutive Class 6A title. He is the first Arizona student-athlete to win this award.

“Nico is an excellent example of what this award stands for,” NHSCA executive director Eric Hess said in the press release.

“He has excelled as much in the classroom as he has on the court. We congratulate Nico on an outstanding high school career and wish him success at the University of Arizona.”

Mannion’s great play has helped get him some national attention, as he was also put on USA Today’s second-team All-USA Basketball squad and named a Naismith third-team All-American in addition to this award.

Mannion is listed at No. 8 on ESPN’s rankings for the class of 2019, and he is considered one of the best point guard recruits in the entire country. He recently played in the McDonald’s All-American game alongside fellow Arizona recruit Josh Green, where he scored eight points and dished out two assists in 15 minutes of action.