GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jaylen McManus was trending at the Phenom Hoops Jamboree. That’s a good way to start a senior season.

The 6-foot-6 forward from North Mecklenburg (NC) High School started his senior season off with a bang. And a three. And a rebound. And a block shot. And an assist. And just about everything else.

The full array of offensive weapons was on display on Saturday. Perhaps the most impressive thing about his game was his perimeter scoring. That was a calculated move, McManus said. He has something to prove and want to show the college coaches that he can do the things they have questions about.

“I’ve been doing that but I have been putting in the work to do that better. I’ve been trying to work on my ball-handling skills,” McManus said. “In college, I’m most likely going to be playing the three. I’m working on my ball skills. I’m working on how I drive. I’m working on how I can pick my spots off of screens…Catch and shoot just comes natural to me. I feel the most comfortable doing that.”

In a rather shallow talent pool in the South for available bigs and wings from the class of 2016, McManus could be a hot recruit in the coming weeks.

Two schools, McManus says, have stood out to him so far. College of Charleston and UNC Wilmington have made a connection. Both schools were courtside all day Saturday to see him in action.

“I have a good connection with UNCW and College of Charleston right now. They make me feel like I am already part of their family,” McManus said.

He’s officially visited Charleston and would like to get out to UNC Wilmington during the season.

“I am looking forward to taking a visit out there,” he said.

That said, McManus is open to other schools jumping into the mix. He said Creighton, Kansas State, Tulsa, Towson, Charlotte, George Mason and others have offered and remain involved.

Making a connection with the coaches is the most important thing, he said, when it comes to finding a college home.

“I want to get along with the coaches really well. That’s going to (determine) the right fit for me. My team is like a family to me. So, I want to find that,” McManus said. “I want to talk to the coaches and listen to the details of what they are telling me. That’s going to be important.”