Darius Manciel Could Play Three Years
Darius Manciel, a 6-11, 235 pound freshman center from Weatherford J.C. in Weatherford, Tex., may be able to leave junior college and enroll at a Division I school in the fall.
JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com spoke with a source familiar with Manciel's situation, and the source informed us that Manciel has achieved a qualifying ACT test score and has been through the NCAA Clearinghouse.
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However, the source also said that Manciel's test score has come under scrutiny by the ACT, and it might be subject to review because of the score increase on the exam.
Manciel had signed with Texas Christian out of high school, and prepped last year at the Winchendon School in Massacusetts. However, Manciel failed to get a qualifying test score at Winchendon, and enrolled this fall at Weatherford as a part-time student.
The plan for Manciel was to take the ACT test at Weatherford while attending classes there part-time so his NCAA clock did not start. But when Manciel got the test score, the situation at TCU had changed dramatically.
In the fall, TCU Head Coach Billy Tubbs announced that he would be stepping down at the Fort Worth school after the 2001-2002 season. Manciel opted not to sign early with the Horned Frogs due to the uncertain future status of the program.
In the meantime, he got enough credits over the winter break to be enrolled as a full-time student at Weatherford, and he is now playing for Mark Osina's Coyote program.
Coach Osina was not available for comment.
A native of Detroit, Manciel could be one of the better available big men this winter, assuming he is eligible to leave Weatherford come the spring.
If his test score stands (he has already been cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse), Manciel would need 24 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA to be eligible under NCAA guidelines for freshman qualifier JUCO transfers.
A raw physical talent, Manciel has all of the tools to be a high Division I center, although his consistency and effort are often not where they need to be.
Rivalshoops.com will keep you posted on this potentially important development, so stay tuned.