Another new Tar Heel!
On Sunday, North Carolina basketball recruit Sterling Manley announced he would be committing to Chapel Hill for the 2017 season. Coach Roy Williams had visited him at his Ohio home a few weeks ago before offering him. After taking his official visit, Manley chose to be a Tar Heel over Xavier, Purdue, and West Virginia.
It should be known that the six-foot-ten Manley hasn’t played since February after a broken leg ended his high school season early. He missed the entire summer league season as well, leaving coaches and scouts with little opportunity to watch him play and evaluate his abilities. He was able to return to the court this fall, and evaluators flocked to see what the six-food-ten big man could really do. After seeing his improved conditioning and offensive game, Coach Williams must have been comfortable offering.
#HeelsUp?? pic.twitter.com/eKG465ZrYE
— Sterling Manley (@bigster1) October 16, 2016
The three-star power forward was ranked 252nd overall in the national composite. He is also considered the No. 60 talent at his position, and the No. 4 player in his home state of Ohio. Reports have come out before that the Tar Heels were impressed by his length, athleticism, and post skills. Coach Williams likes what Manley can do on both sides of the ball and sees a lot of potential in him.
The new recruit now joins fellow big man Brandon Huffman in the post, along with five-star point guard Jalek Felton and three-star shooting guard Andrew Platek. They nearly have a full starting five now, matching their 2016 class total. Big names like P.J. Washington, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Kevin Knox could be next.
