DES MOINES, IA – Dec. 11, 2007 – The Iowa Energy today announced the acquisition of guard/forward Jackie Manuel from the NBA Development League’s available player pool. Manuel will be available for the team’s home game on Friday, December 14 against division rival Sioux Falls.
“Jackie brings us a NBA-level defender who also has some very nice offensive skills. We are excited to add Jackie to our current squad and feel he will complement our current lineup nicely,” said Nick Nurse, Energy Head Coach.
Manuel, a 6’5” wing player from the University of North Carolina, comes to the Energy after spending the preseason with the Boston Celtics. While at North Carolina, Manuel was a tri-captain on the 2005 National Championship squad. In addition to the team’s success, Manuel was twice named to the All-ACC Defensive Team.
Manuel spent most of the 2006-2007 season with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League.
The addition of Manuel is the second roster move of the season for the Energy that counts towards the nine allowed by D-League rules. To make room for Manuel, the Energy released guard Jahsha Bluntt.