The positive momentum continues.
St. John’s, already off to its best start in 36 years, landed another potential impact player Saturday afternoon, picking up a verbal commitment from junior college forward Valdir Manuel. The New Jersey native made the announcement on Twitter, hours before the Red Storm opened Big East play at Seton Hall.
The skilled 6-foot-9 Manuel, who visited St. John’s last weekend, originally was committed to Seton Hall and signed with St. Joseph’s following a productive high school career at The Patrick School in Hillside, N.J. But he took the JUCO route amid academic questions, and at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., he’s averaging 15.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
“I want to thank all the coaches that showed interest in me during the recruiting process,” Manuel wrote on Twitter. “I’d also like to thank my Harcum teammates and coaches for their support. I’m excited to announce that I’ll spend the next chapter of my life and continue my academic and basketball career at St. John’s University!!”
According to a source, Manuel has a pending review with the NCAA to be a full qualifier due to open tasks dating back to high school. The expectation is he will be cleared and have three years of eligibility remaining.
“He’s got good size, he’s athletic, he really rebounds it around the rim,” said Brendan Walker, the publisher of JUCORecruiting.com. “He’s the best available junior college big kid besides Khadim Sy of Dayton State. He’s definitely a five from what I’ve seen. He’s got a pretty good skill-set, jump hooks and some turnaround jumpers. He can end up being an impactful guy, but I don’t think right away.”
The addition of Manuel continues St. John’s foray into the junior college ranks. The Johnnies signed point guard Cam Mack of Salt Lake Community College in Utah in the fall a year after picking up current sophomore LJ Figueroa. The Red Storm also added North Carolina State transfer Ian Steere, a 6-9 forward. With Manuel and Steere in the fold, recruiting a big man is no longer a priority for St. John’s, which remains in the mix for five-star wing Precious Achiuwa, a source said.
“That’s a good pickup,” said a college coach familiar with Manuel. “I like his athleticism, especially around the basket being able to finish.”