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
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
‹
Chansky's Notebook: DesperationAnyone who has experienced a hangover understands at least part of the explanation for UNC’s loss at Miami on Tuesday night.
UNC Men's Basketball Falls Flat in Loss at MiamiUNC fell behind early and never led Tuesday night at Miami, falling to the upset-minded Hurricanes 75-66. Miami used red-hot early shooting to build a lead as large as 10 points at 22-12 inside of eight minutes played. After missing their first two shots of the game, the Hurricanes promptly made 11 of their next […]
Chansky's Notebook: The HangoverUNC will need to avoid a classic trap game when it faces a dangerous Miami Hurricanes team tonight in Coral Gables.
UNC's Caleb Wilson Named ACC Freshman of the Week, National Player of the WeekAfter leading the Tar Heels to wins against Syracuse and No. 4 Duke, UNC star freshman was named the ACC Freshman of the Week and the Naismith National Player of the Week Monday afternoon. Another one for Caleb 📈 🔗 https://t.co/Gph3xXuFZT pic.twitter.com/TQbBStDu3F — Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) February 9, 2026 National Player of the Week 😮💨 […]
UNC Basketball in the AP Poll: Men Rise to No. 11, Women Rise to No. 21After the UNC men’s and women’s basketball teams each picked up big wins last week, both squads have risen in the latest edition of the AP Poll. The men’s team rose three spots to No. 11, while the women’s team rose four spots to No. 21. For the men, No. 11 is the team’s highest […]
UNC Fined $50,000 for Court Storming, But Says 'We Followed Our Protocols'The ACC has fined UNC $50,000 after fans rushed the floor twice during the Tar Heels’ 71-68 win against No. 4 Duke at the Smith Center Saturday night. “The conference’s event security policy is designed to protect the safety and well-being of all student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans,” the league said in an official release […]
'The Perfect Person': Seth Trimble, Welcome to Your First Day of ImmortalitySeth Trimble's dramatic three-pointer to upset Duke helped cement his place as an all-time UNC basketball legend.
UNC Men's Basketball at Miami (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off TimeUNC will look to extend a five-game winning streak when it visits Miami Tuesday night. The Tar Heels have won three straight games against the Hurricanes under head coach Hubert Davis. If you aren’t traveling south with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the […]
Seth Trimble's Late 3-Pointer Helps UNC Men's Basketball Come Back to Beat No. 4 DukeSeth Trimble made a three-pointer in the corner with 0.4 seconds remaining to help UNC erase a late deficit and stun No. 4 Duke 71-68 at the Smith Center Saturday night. W's in the chat!#CarolinaFamily | @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/JUPG8xJ85s — Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) February 8, 2026 Trimble’s heroics came after Duke had led 68-62 with 2:51 […]
UNC Men's Basketball vs. Duke (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off TimeUNC will host No. 4 Duke for a primetime rivalry showdown Saturday night at the Smith Center. The Tar Heels are looking to snap a three-game losing streak against the Blue Devils. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the […]
›
