Valdir Manuel of Harcum College commits to St. John’s

Recruiting update: Valdir Manuel, a 2019 Harcum College JUCO recruit, announced his commitment to St. John’s for next season.

The former commit to Saint Joseph's and to Seton Hall is currently at Harcum College, a junior college near Philadelphia (and down the street from Villanova and Bryn Mawr). Manuel visited for a game in Queens to check out the program.

Turns out he was serious enough to commit today.

The 6’9”, 210 pound Angolan forward is known to be solidly athletic, can rebound (10.7 total rebounds per game in JUCO, grabbed 22% of opponents’ misses in EYBL play with the NJ Playaz, which is very good). Averaging 3.7 fouls per 40 minutes, which is pretty solid for a big man.

He has been shooting 61% inside the arc, but 2/12 from distance; an issue with his game that has appeared in write-ups and evaluations is that he has been interested in expanding his range, but has not yet been accurate from long-range (the phrase “improving face-up game” is telling.

Additionally, he is getting to the line at a ratio of 33% free throws attempted to field goals attempted — which hints at a player who takes a lot of jump shots.

Highlights

Workout video