The Perth Wildcats have signed Brady Manek, which is a name that should be familiar to North Carolina and college basketball fans alike.
The 23-year-old, sharp-shooting big man is ecstatic about embarking on his first season down under, saying this:
I’m really comfortable with the decision and I’m excited to get to Perth and back to basketball. Now that I’ve found a good spot, I’m super excited.
I think I’ve done a lot in my basketball career, and now for my professional career I’m excited to take my first step with Perth, and I’m really glad they’re going to take a chance on me and help me grow.
I think I can be more than just a shooter, I can be a guy who plays well with others, a guy who works hard, someone who tries to bring the best out of his team. I always try to be a good teammate, and I want to win.”
Although his, and the Tar Heels’ season did have quite the desired ending, losing to Kansas 72-69 in the National Championship game, Manek completed a solid college career with a senior season in which he averaged 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 40.3% from three-point land. His play garnered him the Riley Wallace Player of Year Award, which goes to the country’s top transfer player.
His play in college and the NBA Summer League for the Charlotte Hornets caught the attention of Perth head coach John Rille.
“I watched Brady in Summer League and got great feedback from both the Hornets and both of his college teams. He always gives great effort, and he wants to get better.
“Everyone is going to talk about his shooting, but I also think his passing, decision making and just being a good teammate are also things people are going to love.
“He’s a passionate competitor so I think the fans will embrace the enthusiasm that he plays the game with.”
Wildcat GM of basketball operations Danny Mills was also pleased with the signing, saying that Maney will fit well with the current roster. Going into more details. Mills said this of Manek:
“He’s a great fit given his ability to space the floor as an efficient high-volume shooter with a high basketball IQ and good feel as an off-ball cutter and finisher around the basket.
His size and length will give us added versatility on the defensive end as well a presence on the glass at both ends.
The Red Army are going to love his competitiveness and the tough, no nonsense relentless edge he plays with. We are extremely excited to get him down here to Perth and playing in front of a packed-out RAC Arena.”
Perth tips off its season October 2 against the Bullets of Brisbane.
