Jackie Manuel

Jackie Manuel
Born	(1983-03-29) March 29, 1983 West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Basketball player, coach
Years active	2001–present
Known for	Defensive expert at North Carolina Tar Heels; assistant coach at American University

Jackie Kameron Manuel (born March 29, 1983) is an American former basketball player and current coach, serving as an assistant coach for American University in the Patriot League.

College career

Hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida, Manuel gained recognition as a defensive expert during his tenure with the North Carolina Tar Heels between 2001 and 2005. Over 126 games, he was a starter in 85 contests and held the position of tri-captain on UNC’s squad that secured the 2005 National Championship.

NBA Development League

After going undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft, Manuel was chosen by the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the NBA Development League expansion draft. His playing time in 2005 was curtailed by injuries; although he signed with the Fayetteville Patriots, he did not participate in any games. The following year, he joined the D-League team affiliated with the Los Angeles Lakers.

NBA tenure

Manuel signed a non-guaranteed one-year contract with the Boston Celtics on August 1, 2007. However, he was released by the team on October 25 before the season commenced.

Return to NBA Development League

On September 24, 2008, Manuel was selected second overall by the Erie BayHawks in the 2008 NBA D-League Expansion Draft.

Assistant at North Carolina (2011–2012)

In 2011, Manuel became part of Roy Williams’ coaching staff at UNC, taking on the role of assistant strength and conditioning coordinator.

Assistant coach at UNC Greensboro (2012–2016)

Following his year at UNC, Manuel joined former teammate Wes Miller’s coaching staff at UNC-Greensboro for the 2012–2013 season.

Valparaiso assistant coach (2016)

After four seasons at UNCG, Manuel accepted an assistant coaching position under Matt Lottich at Valparaiso.

Assistant coach at UNC Wilmington (2017–2020)

Manuel spent four years as an assistant coach under head coach C.B. McGrath at UNC Wilmington.

UNC women’s basketball staff (2020–2021)

In September 2020, Manuel joined the UNC women’s basketball program as Director of Player Personnel, Development, and Recruiting Operations. He left this position in April 2021 to explore other opportunities.

Back to UNC men’s basketball staff (2021–2023)

On April 15, 2021, Manuel was appointed Director of Player and Team Development on Hubert Davis’ inaugural North Carolina coaching staff. Unlike other former Tar Heels on staff, his responsibilities were conducted off the bench.

Assistant coach at American University (2023–present)

In April 2023, Manuel departed his alma mater once more to join Duane Simpkins’ coaching staff at American University. Both Manuel and Simpkins previously served as assistant coaches under Wes Miller at UNCG.

Personal life

Manuel wed Ronda Jae in August 2005.

He captured two state titles while attending Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. Manuel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2005. In February 2010, he completed a coaching certification program through Michigan State University.

Tragically, on November 28, 2007, Manuel’s brother Donta—a thirteen-year veteran of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office—was killed during a police pursuit when he and his partner were struck by a patrol car while deploying stop sticks.

Accolades

• Selected to the All-ACC Defensive Team in 2004 and 2005.

External links

• Jackie Manuel NBDL Profile
• Profile on NBA.com