Recruiting

National Director of Scouting

CJ Sells brings over five decades of diverse basketball experience to the Grind Session Recruiting platform. His involvement in the sport spans nearly every level and role imaginable — from standout player to head coach of both boys and girls teams, to a respected college and high school basketball official. CJ’s wide-ranging contributions also include serving as a director of successful AAU and club basketball programs across Arizona.

A true student and storyteller of the game, CJ has built a respected voice in sports media. He has been an award-winning sports writer, a play-by-play broadcaster for college football and basketball, and a trusted analyst. For the past three years, he has been an integral part of the Grind Session team, where his roles have only expanded.

Currently, CJ serves as both the Director of Scouting for the men’s and women’s divisions and a key member of the broadcast crew during Grind Session events, which air nationally on Tanager Sports TV. His keen eye for talent and deep understanding of the game make him a vital asset to the recruiting landscape.

Outside of basketball, CJ has deep roots in Sedona, Arizona — a community he’s proudly called home for over 40 years. There, he and his wife Nancy have owned and operated a successful restaurant, adding another chapter to his multifaceted career.

With a lifetime of experience in coaching, scouting, media, and leadership, CJ Sells continues to be a passionate advocate for student-athletes, helping open doors to collegiate and professional opportunities through the Grind Session platform.

Photographer & Web Master 

Rick Manahan is the official photographer and web master for the Grind Session Recruiting website, bringing over four decades of experience capturing world-class sports moments through his lens. His journey into sports photography began in 1977 at Dana Hills High School, where as a member of the yearbook staff, he discovered his passion for documenting athletic competition.

Throughout his storied career, Rick has covered an impressive range of major sporting events and professional leagues. His portfolio includes NFL football, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball, PGA golf, and NCAA athletics. His ability to consistently deliver high-impact imagery has earned him respect and recognition across the sports photography community.

In 2016, Rick expanded his focus to elite-level high school basketball when he began shooting for Philippe Doherty and the nationally acclaimed prep program, Prolific Prep. He has photographed all 14 of the program’s McDonald’s All-Americans and traveled extensively with the team on its demanding national schedule. Rick has also documented the last six Chipotle Nationals (formerly known as GEICO Nationals), showcasing Prolific Prep’s top-tier talent on the biggest stages in high school basketball.

Rick’s involvement with the Grind Session began in 2020, when he was invited to join the team as its dedicated sports shooter. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in visually chronicling the league’s most electrifying moments and rising stars, both on the Grind Session court and through the Grind Session Recruiting platform.

One of Rick’s most cherished career highlights was covering the 2015 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania—where his wife of 37 years, Michele Manahan, was honored as the Little League International Mom of the Year. The award, presented by ESPN’s Karl Ravech, was inspired by a heartfelt essay written by their son, Nicolas Manahan.

Today, Rick continues to blend his passion for sports and storytelling by using photography and web design to support the Grind Session Recruiting mission—highlighting the next generation of basketball talent for college coaches and fans around the world.