University of North Carolina Athletics
Lucas: Manuel Ready for ACC Play this Year
September 17, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Sept. 17, 2002
by Adam Lucas, Tar Heel Monthly
Jackie Manuel appeared in a high school production of "Tony and Tina's Wedding," but even that couldn't prepare him adequately for the grand stage that is Atlantic Coast Conference basketball.
"At times when I was on the floor last year, I was nervous," Manuel said. "I was amazed by the crowd and the atmosphere and I wasn't myself. Just being on the floor and playing in the ACC made me nervous. It was a new experience and I wasn't used to playing in front of thousands of people. This year, I've been through that and I want to come in with the confidence that I had back in high school so I can play my game."
Playing his game features a slashing, athletic style. Manuel's first step is quick enough to leave behind many defenders, even at the ACC level, but the competition at Cardinal Newman High in West Palm Beach, Florida didn't prepare him for the type of physical specimens he encountered during his freshman season for the Tar Heels.
After frequently dashing into the paint last year only to discover a physically stronger player between him and the hoop, Manuel knew he had to bulk up in order to compete at the highest level. Offseason weight work added about ten pounds to the 185 that he carried at the end of the 2001-02 season.
When he wasn't in the weight room, much of his summer work was devoted to improving the mechanics of his shot. His 32.9 percent mark from the field was the lowest on last year's squad, and he also struggled from the free throw line.
"I really worked hard on my shooting," Manuel said. "I want to be able to shoot off the dribble and be consistent with my shot."
On the other end of the court, the sophomore has the frame to be a defensive stopper. His long arms and lanky build make him a candidate to defend at several positions, and his increased bulk should help him avoid being outmuscled.
After a disappointing loss at Kentucky last year dropped the Tar Heels to 1-4, Manuel, who grew up watching Carolina overpower opponents on television, realized that offense wasn't the only way that he could contribute to the team.
"Maybe if I would've played better defense, that would've helped the team out," he said. "After that game, I told myself that I wasn't going to let that happen again. I like playing defense. I have that desire. Some people who don't like defense are not going to do it."
Renewed defensive commitment and improved offensive decision-making should make this year's edition of Jackie Manuel more closely resemble the high school player who was among Matt Doherty's first telephone calls on the night he accepted the Carolina head coaching job in July of 2000.
"Jackie was always a good player," fellow sophomore Jawad Williams said. "But there were times last year when he didn't look like he knew what he wanted to do. Now, he is more confident."
Adam Lucas is the publisher of Tar Heel Monthly and can be reached at alucas@tarheelmonthly.com
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