Brady Manek is league-bound, and he won’t have to travel very far.

The UNC men’s basketball star and fan favorite signed with the Charlotte Hornets Friday afternoon, and will play with the team in the NBA’s annual Summer League.

Manek started all five seasons of his college career, between Oklahoma and Carolina. As a freshman, Manek played alongisde future NBA lottery pick and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, helping the Sooners into the NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma made the tournament in three of Manek’s four years with the program (the tournament was cancelled in 2020), but never made it past the second round.

Manek arrived on UNC’s campus in the summer of 2021, and made it clear to head coach Hubert Davis his goal was to make at least the Sweet 16. He got far more than he asked for, as Manek and the Tar Heels advanced to the program’s 21st Final Four and 12th NCAA title game, eventually falling to Kansas.

Manek became an offensive juggernaut during the tournament, averaging 18.8 points per game and shooting 43 percent on three-pointers. His season average of 15.1 points per game was third on the team, and his three-point percentage of 40.3 led all teammates. His two best games came back-to-back in the NCAA Tournament, when Manek scored 28 points in a first-round win against Marquette and 26 in the second round against Baylor. Manek’s 26 points against the Bears came in just 28 minutes, as he was ejected midway through the second half for a Flagrant 2 foul.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
NBA Draft: Los Angeles Clippers Take Brice Johnson 25th Overall
Lob City has a new neighbor moving in. In the first round of Thursday’s NBA Draft the Los Angeles Clippers used the 25th overall pick to select former UNC forward Brice Johnson. The Clippers have been referred to as “Lob City” in recent years because of their knack for highlight alley-oops involving point guard Chris […]
ESPN Projects Cole Anthony to be Selected No. 15 Overall by Orlando Magic
Following the completion of Thursday night’s NBA Draft Lottery, ESPN released a full mock draft with former UNC point guard Cole Anthony projected to go No. 15 overall to the Orlando Magic. This represents a bit of a stock drop for Anthony, as he arrived at UNC and spent most of his only season on […]
NBA Draft: Marcus Paige Goes to Utah Jazz in Second Round
Marcus Paige had to sit and wait through 54 picks during Thursday’s NBA Draft–anxiously awaiting a moment he’d been imagining his entire life. With only six picks before the end of the draft, time was running out. Then, nearly two hours after watching his best friend and roommate–Brice Johnson–get selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in […]
UNC Junior Forward J.P. Tokoto Heads For NBA
Roy Williams was hoping for no surprise departures heading into next season. So much for that.
Heat Chooses Hairston, Trades To Hornets
The Heat reportedly traded Hairston in a multi-player deal to the Charlotte Hornets, pending NBA approval.
Chansky's Notebook: Potential or Proof
Wouldn’t Drake Powell be better off returning and being UNC's leading scorer as well as an excellent rebounder and assist man?
Holding Court: Regaining a Prominent Place in the NBA Universe
Recently, UNC basketball has fallen from its prominent perch in the NBA universe, with only seven former players on opening day rosters.
Chansky's Notebook: The Exhibitors
Thanks to some local names, the Utah Jazz will have familiar competition in preseason training camp when trying to fill out their post depth.
Chansky's Notebook: Tweener No More
When Harrison Ingram transferred to UNC, it was almost a sure bet he would stay two seasons in Chapel Hill.
Brady Manek Signs With Charlotte Hornets
Brady Manek is league-bound, and he won’t have to travel very far. The UNC men’s basketball star and fan favorite signed with the Charlotte Hornets Friday afternoon, and will play with the team in the NBA’s annual Summer League. @BradyManek is heading to Charlotte for this year's Summer League 🔥 Congratulations to Brady Manek and […]
›