By ADAM ZAGORIA
Valdir Manuel, the 6-foot-9 Class of 2018 forward from The Patrick School, has signed with St. Joe’s after decommitting from Seton Hall.
Manuel initially committed to Seton Hall in March.
“St. Joseph is a good fit for Valdir,” Patrick School coach Chris Chavannes said. “They have a small college atmosphere like Seton Hall that will be very conducive to Valdir’s success on and off the court.”
He added: “Valdir is the most efficient offensive player I’ve seen in New Jersey in the past 20 years. He is also a very good defensive rebounder which is often downplayed because of his offensive efficiency.”
Valdir Manuel straight drilling ? @valdir_ngule @JSnjPlayaz #2017EYBL pic.twitter.com/NM4MbwbdfT
— Overtime (@overtime) May 4, 2017
Manuel was instrumental in helping the Patrick School capture the Tournament of Champions title in 2017.
“Adding Valdir, who has multiple skills, at this time of year is a real bonus,” St. Joe’s coach Phil Martelli said. “We have a group of players who have all exhibited tremendous work ethic and improvement this summer. We expect that Valdir will enhance our chances to achieve great success this season.”
Manuel will bring a diverse offensive game to college.
“I’m a big who can score on the block, can face up, can block shots and can play outside/inside,” he said.
Manuel joins guard Jared Bynum, from Georgetown Prep, in the Hawks’ freshman class for the 2018-19 season. The Hawks will also be welcoming back Charlie Brown and Lamarr Kimble back into the fold, after both missed last season with injuries.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll spend the next chapter of my life And continue my Academics and basketball career at Saint Joseph’s University? let’s go Hawks ????? terra nova always ? pic.twitter.com/MYr1eI7Ijo
— Valdir manuel 23✈️ (@valdir_ngule) July 24, 2018
Photo: 247Sports.com
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