Knox’s prep team is currently 20-5 and yet to lose a league game. A huge part of their success is 6 ‘5 ” G Ben Manuel, a member of the class of 2025 who came to Long Island all the way from Arkansas. He’s a leader, a primary scorer, has the ball in his hands a lot and never backs down from a challenge. Manuel makes tough shots, can score in bunches, makes others around him better and consistently contributes to winning.
While the Senior may not be the most athletic guard, he understands the game, knows defensive coverages and has been dealing with the opponent’s spotlight for years. His playmaking has improved since joining Knox, he’s way more involved defensively and communicates much better to his teammates. He’s in better shape, lifting, getting to the line more and seems more focused on the goal more than ever.
Coming to the northeast over the Summer certainly helped with Manuel’s development, especially to the style of game played in New York. His size and ability to play on and off the ball gave the New Jersey Force a boost heading into the Summer live periods on the MADE Hoops Circuit, where he both played well and brought in a number of coaches to see him. In turn, coaches began doing their homework on the previously unknown guard in recent months.
His recruitment has started to pick up with all of Knox’s success. Manuel picked up an offer to Southern New Hampshire early in the week and then followed it up with another from American International College. The D2 programs are swirling and while he may be a D1 guard, he might have to take a non traditional route to get there. This Senior will look to finish the season strong and possibly add a few more schools before making his final decision.
