UNC Basketball: Manek accomplishes personal feat in Tar Heels victory

For the first time as a member of the UNC basketball program, Brady Manek recorded a double-double to help lead the Tar Heels to victory.

The UNC basketball program ended their non-conference slate on a good note, as they routed Appalachian State in front of the home crowd at the Dean Smith Center.

After taking an eight-point lead into halftime, the Tar Heels were able to pull away in the second half, courtesy of yet another set of standout performances from their big men.

Coming into the game, it was clear that North Carolina had a distinct size advantage. They definitely made the most of it, as they out-rebounded the Mountaineers 47-33.

Junior Armando Bacot did Armando Bacot-like things on Tuesday night, as he recorded his eighth double-double of the season in just 12 games played. However, it was another North Carolina big man that earned the “Tar Heel of the Game” award for this given matchup.

Bacot was not the only Tar Heel to record a double-double, as Brady Manek also accomplished the feat. With his 11 points and 11 rebounds, the Harrah, Oklahoma native recorded his first double-double as a member of the UNC basketball program.

With Dawson Garcia struggling throughout, Manek’s performance on both sides of the floor was critical for the Tar Heels’ overall success. When he was not scoring (which he did at an efficient 5-9 clip), the super-senior was seen hustling on the floor, battling for rebounds, and diving for loose balls.

As Hubert Davis likes to typically use a smaller rotation, we’ve gotten use to seeing just three to four guys getting some time off the bench. Manek has quickly become the Tar Heels most reliable bench player, as he provides a spark that is beneficial when Bacot or Garcia need a break.

On most teams throughout college basketball, Brady Manek would be a starter who would be seeing similar (if not more) minutes on the court. Remember, Manek transferred from Oklahoma, a program in which he started 111 games.

However, Manek has embraced his role in Chapel Hill. Regardless of whether or not he’s starting, it’s hard to find many UNC basketball players who have been more important to this group’s early-season success than Manek.

For the second time this season, Brady Manek is our “Tar Heel of the Game.” Check back next week to find out which UNC basketball player will take home the award for the Tar Heels second ACC contest of the season against Virginia Tech.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Brady Manek and the rest of the UNC basketball program.