One-handed Hansel Enmanuel goes VIRAL for elite performances in NCAA basketball
Austin Peay Governors guard Hansel Enmanuel is playing efficient ball with just one hand in NCAA college basketball.
Follow Us
Hansel Enmanuel of the Austin Peay Governors
College basketball season is underway, and as expected, most of the attention is around the women’s game. The men’s game has some lone bright spots, but no one expected Hansel Enmanuel of the Austin Peay Governors to go viral with his incredible performances with just one-hand.
The Junior has been steadily learning and adjusting his game to the rigors of NCAA basketball. That has seen him now rise to become a consistent starter. He might not dominate the score sheets every game, but when his chance comes, he does not shy away from taking them.
Hansel Enmanuel lost his left arm at the age of six. Since then, he struggled to run in a straight line as the lost arm cause equilibrium and balance issues. Once he sorted them out, he chose to play basketball as his original love baseball was far off.
With support from his father, he started to work on his game and shifted to the United States from the Dominican Republic. His dunks and overall play with just one hand made him a social media sensation, something that he continues to be to this day.
But dunking in front of cameras and playing competitive physical college basketball are two different things. After struggling to find time with his first college, he transferred to the Austin Peay Governors, where he has now blossomed into a two-way threat.
Hansel Enmanuel is the best story in college basketball right now.
— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) November 12, 2024
21 MPG
85% FG
5 PPG
6 RPG
Look at these highlights ? pic.twitter.com/Lhp6LvoMGX
The video shows him playing 20 minutes against the Union Bulldogs. But what became viral was the hustle and efficiency he showed. He scored eight points shooting 75% from the field. On top of that, he grabbed eight rebounds, three of which were on the offensive end and three steals. Those numbers should interest some NBA teams.
Can Hansel Enmanuel make it to the NBA?
The NBA has seen its fair share of players, both good and bad. With his efficiency from the field, drive to grab those game changing rebounds, all at just 6′ 6″ should intrigue some professional teams. As many have pointed out, there have been far worse players in the league who have earned millions sitting on the bench.
Moreover, drafting him would send a message and improve the public image of the NBA. Shaquem Griffin was the first one-handed player to play in the NFL. He played and started for the Seattle Seahawks before bouncing around and then retiring.
The same can be done in the NBA if the league can convince teams to buy into his talents. He will just not be coming in due to his disability. Rather, his play should be convincing enough to land him a contract at least as a contributor from the bench.
If he can continue to improve his game this season, scouts could start lining up to watch Austin Peay play. Caitlin Clark and her boyfriend’s team Butler Bulldogs lost to Hansel Enmanuel and his teammates. Now his team are 3-0 and are about to face 11 ranked Tennessee. Maybe that game could garner him a bit more attention.
Stay Updated!
Joseph Varghese
(2268 Articles Published)