COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It has been a long six months since Sterling Manley last played in a Pickerington Central uniform. In the midst of arguably his best game yet, Manley, who was battling back and forth with Gahanna center Nick Ward, suffered a compound fracture of his right leg in the first half of a tightly-contested rivalry game on Feb. 11. 

In an injury that many compared to former Louisville guard Kevin Ware's gruesome broken leg in the 2013 NCAA tournament, the initial shock of Manley's fracture was severe, however, the 6-foot-10 center would not be defeated. 

On the road to recovery, Manley is on schedule to return to the hardwood for Pickerington Central's first game of the season in early December, and has already been cleared for contact and is nearing a full recovery. 

"I am pretty much on track with everything," Manley told 270 Hoops. "I am full go in all of my workouts and can do contact now. I'm done with rehab and am just hitting it hard with my trainer now."

While a severe lower body injury might hamper the recruitment of a prospect, Manley has experienced the complete opposite in the last six months. Receiving eight offers since the injury, programs such as Nebraska, Xavier and Pittsburgh have extended scholarships to the rising senior center, with the Huskers and Musketeers putting Manley at or near the top of their respective recruiting boards.

At 6-foot-10 with a wingspan estimated to be over seven feet in length, Manley is a massive prospect with an intriguing skill set. Having the ability to extend the floor and knock down mid-range jump shots, Manley is equally equipped in the post, with a soft touch inside while remaining a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. 

Manley averaged 12 points, 7.4 rebounds and three blocks per game last season, earning second team All-OCC honors. A force to be reckoned with while on the floor last season, Manley helped Pickerington Central knock off eventual state champion Westerville South on Jan. 23. 

In the matchup with Ward on Feb. 11, Manley showed the entirety of his skill set in a highly-anticipated battle in the post. And while the rising senior was only able to play a quarter and a half on that night, Manley has not let the injury deter his progress.

"[The injury] has taught me a lot," Manley said. "It really made me realize how much you miss something once it is gone and how it is easy to take something for granted. It has made me humble, but hungry."

With 14 offers in total, Manley, who is the No. 2 prospect in the 270 Hoops 2017 Top 70, is one of Ohio's fastest rising prospects in his class. The most valuable player on a Pickerington Central team that could make a run to the state final four for the first time since 2012, Manley is ready for a breakout season, and most importantly, a complete one.