Valdir Manuel to St. John’s

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Valdir Manuel, the 6-foot-9 Class forward from Harcum (PA) College and The Patrick School, has committed to St. John’s.

Manuel initially committed to Seton Hall in March, and later pledged to St. Joe’s in July. After he was deemed academically ineligible for college, he enrolled at Harcum. At St. John’s, he will have three years of eligibility beginning in the 2019-20 season.

A source said Manuel “has NCAA tasks he has to complete” and St. John’s “fully expects him to be cleared to play next season.

St. John’s assistant Matt Abdelmassih has been monitoring Manuel and has seen him play this season.

“St. John’s has been recruiting me the hardest,” Manuel said. “I’ve built a very good relationship with the coaching staff over the phone.”