WASHINGTON – Jackie Manuel, associate head coach for American University men's basketball, has been named to the 2026 Silver Waves Media Most Impactful Mid-Major Assistant Coaches list, earning the recognition for the second consecutive year.
Manuel, who enters his fourth season on head coach Duane Simpkins' staff, serves as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, working specifically with the team's post players. He also serves as the program's academic coordinator and assists with coordinating the team's community service efforts. Manuel was promoted to associate head coach following American's Patriot League championship season in 2024-25.
In 2025-26, American ranked second in the Patriot League in scoring defense, allowing 71.3 points per game, and led the conference with a plus-2.63 turnover margin. Greg Jones earned Patriot League All-Defensive Team honors for the second consecutive season and was also named to the All-Patriot League Third Team alongside freshman Madden Collins.
Manuel helped guide the Eagles to the 2025 Patriot League championship and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014. American finished that season 22-13 overall and 13-5 in conference play, matching the program record for Patriot League wins in a season. The Eagles led the conference in scoring defense at 67.7 points per game, ranking 53rd nationally.
Manuel has also played a key role in the program's academic success. American has earned the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award in each of his three seasons, with the team's GPA improving from 3.19 in his first year to 3.4 in 2025-26. A program-record 13 Eagles earned Patriot League Academic Honor Roll recognition last season.
Before joining American in April 2023, Manuel spent two seasons as the director of team and player development at North Carolina, helping the Tar Heels reach the national championship game in 2022. He previously held coaching positions at UNC Greensboro, Valparaiso and UNCW.
A captain on North Carolina's 2005 national championship team, Manuel earned All-ACC Defensive Team honors as both a junior and senior. He was also named the Tar Heels' Defensive Player of the Year and Most Inspirational Player in 2004 and 2005.
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