Player: Emanuel (Mannie) Villegas
Class: 2026
Height: 6’8
School: Benedictine
Virginia continues to be a state that produces under-the-radar talent for a variety of levels for the collegiate level, and Phenom Hoops is determined to shed more light on players that we watched over the summer. One player that we had an opportunity to watch and learn about was 2026 6’8 Mannie Villegas, a developing forward who could be poised for a breakout-type year. He has really been able to flourish this summer for both his high school and AAU team, and we are eager to see what he can do this upcoming high school season.
When we watched him early in the summer, Villegas was able to flourish in a variety of ways. He showed fluidity and mobility with good size at 6’8, he flashed touch around the basket, created opportunities for himself without the ball, finished well around the basket and at the rim, and displayed that he can be an assertive presence on the glass. What grabs your attention with his game though is that he is not only comfortable inside but showed flashes of being able to step out at times, as well as make plays on the defensive end. There are certainly flashes in his game that could attract the attention of college coaches, and he could be a sneaky prospect to watch in the Virginia area.
What Was Said:
“Villegas earned my attention early and was one I was eager to see more at the event. He presents good size, fluidity, and upside with his game, and Villegas was a key piece for BWSL TMB 2025 at the event. Villegas presents a nice touch around the basket and brings activity on the boards, displaying good athleticism. He is able to face up and make plays in a variety of ways, score from multiple levels, and run the floor well. Now, there is still room for development, getting stronger, and upside left in his game, so it will be interesting to see how he continues to take strides in his game. But he is one to watch more of for sure.”