The Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League officially welcomed former Tar Heel Brady Manek to the team Monday. Manek signed a contract with the Wildcats last Thursday.

“It’s just really cool to be able to play and get to see another part of the world,” Manek said in his introductory press conference, posted on YouTube. “I’m just glad I’ve got a team that is excited for me, and I’m ready to get back to work.”

Manek was not selected during the NBA Draft, but played with the Charlotte Hornets during last month’s Summer League in Las Vegas. Though Manek was impressive in his limited minutes, the Hornets did not offer him a contract for their regular-season roster.

The UNC fan favorite was a key piece of the Tar Heels’ “Iron Five” rotation which led the team to the national championship game in April. Manek averaged 18.8 points per game and shot better than 47 percent on three-pointers during Carolina’s NCAA Tournament run, including 28- and 26-point showings in UNC’s first two games.

“I’m just excited to be done with the school part of my life,” said Manek, who played five seasons of NCAA basketball. “I’ve accomplished a lot in school, and then now just to focus on basketball… that’s the most exciting part for me.”

“Brady’s had a very distinguished college career at the University of Oklahoma, and most recently last year at North Carolina,” Wildcats general manager Danny Mills said. “We’re extremely excited to bring him into our roster for next season.”

In his comments, Mills called Manek’s shooting ability “unquestioned,” while also lauding his ability to move without the ball.

The Wildcats are the most successful team in the NBL, winning 10 titles in the league’s 43-year history. No other team has more than six. The NBL’s season begins October 1.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

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