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Not to be outdone by in-state rival Oregon State's big recruiting month, Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks landed four-star Class of 2015 power forward Trevor Manuel Thursday.
Manuel, the 92nd-ranked player in the Class of 2015 per 247 sports, has had an illustrious high school basketball journey, playing his junior season at the famed Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, (alma mater of Carmelo Anthony, among countless other NBA players) before transferring to Lansing, Michigan's Everett High School (alma mater of Magic Johnson). Michigan State was believed to be a heavy favorite for the Lansing native. However, after a visit to Oregon September 5, which included the Oregon-Michigan State football game, Manuel had this to say to The Oregonian:
"I loved it out there. I had a great time," Manuel said. "It actually opened my eyes and showed me that I could see myself playing there. I didn't think it was that long of a trip, and I know I have my family's support back home. I know that if I go out there everything will be alright." -Trevor Manuel to The Oregonian following his September 5 visit to Oregon
What does Manuel's commitment mean for the Ducks though? Let's go to the videotape:
As you can see, the six-foot-nine Manuel is a traditional big man who relies on post moves and dunks to get his points. He can shoot the occasional three, but he will not kill you from out there. Also, he could stand to put on a few pounds before he reaches the next level as he weighs in at just 215 pounds.
All in all however, Manuel is a very good prospect who should fit in very nicely with the Ducks. Playing time may be hard to come by in his first season, as no forwards on the Ducks' roster are set to graduate this season, but depending how he performs in his senior season in high school and in summer camps with the Ducks, I would not be surprised if he's starting at power forward opening night of the 2015 season.