Perth Wildcats sign Brady Manek as third import

The Perth Wildcats are thrilled to confirm the signing of exciting American big Brady Manek.
 
Following an outstanding college career, the 23-year-old sharp-shooter is looking forward to making his way down under for his first professional season.
 
“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,” said Manek.
 
“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.”
 
At 206cm and 105kgs, Manek is versatile with elite shot-making ability around the perimeter.
 
The Oklahoman recently represented the Charlotte Hornets at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in just over 14 minutes of action.
 
Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie said Manek has been a standout on the recruitment radar. 
 
“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,” said Rillie.
 
“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.”
 
After four impressive years of college basketball at the University of Oklahoma, Manek transferred to the University of North Carolina and played an essential role in UNC’s run to the 2022 NCAA championship game.
 
He averaged 15.1 points per game and scored over 40 per cent from behind the arc for the Tar Heels on his way to earning the Riley Wallace Player of the Year Award -given to the top transfer player in college basketball.
 
Perth Wildcats GM of basketball operations Danny Mills said Manek perfectly compliments the roster.
 
“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,” said Mills.
 
“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.” 
 
Manek joins TaShawn Thomas and Corey Webster as new faces on the 2022/23 Perth Wildcats roster.
 
The season begins Sunday 2 October at RAC Arena.