WASHINGTON - Jackie Manuel, associate head coach for American University men's basketball, has been named to the 7th Annual Silver Waves Media 100 Most Impactful Mid Major Assistants List which has seen numerous coaches go on to become Division I head coaches. 

Manuel joined head coach Duane Simpkins' staff in April of 2023, and serves as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, specifically working with the team's post players. He also serves as the program's academic coordinator and assists with coordinating the team's community service.

In his second year, the Eagles made a historic run, winning the 2024-25 Patriot League Championship and earning the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014. American finished 22-13 overall and 13-5 in the Patriot League, matching the program's all-time record for league wins in a season. Sophomore Greg Jones was named to the Patriot League All-Defensive Team under Manuel's guidance, joining All-PL First Team honoree Matt Rogers and All-PL Third Team selection Elijah Stephens in earning postseason awards. American led the league in scoring defense at 67.7 points per game, also ranking 53rd among all teams in NCAA Division I. The Eagles led the Patriot League in scoring defense in 2024-25 at 67.7 points per game, ranking 53rd nationally, and AU ranked second in the PL in opponent three-point field-goal percentage at .313.

Manuel, a captain on North Carolina's national championship team in 2005, played for the Tar Heels from 2001-05. He earned All-ACC Defensive team honors as a junior and a senior, and was Carolina's Defensive Player of the Year and Most Inspirational Player in both 2004 and 2005.

For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Instagram (@au_mbasketball), X (@AU_MBasketball), and Facebook (/AU.MBasketball).