UNC Basketball: To the NBA Team that picks up Brady Manek

As UNC basketball standout Brady Manek prepares for NBA Draft night, the Keeping It Heel team would like to send a message to NBA teams on his behalf.

Tonight is a very big night for the National Basketball Association, as the 2022 NBA Draft will be conducted at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

As teams around the league make their final decisions on what players they want to bring into their organization, we want to send a personal message to the one who ends up landing UNC basketball standout Brady Manek.

Here we go:

To the NBA Team that picks up Brady Manek,

Manek was part of the UNC basketball program for just one season, as he used his fifth year of eligibility to join the Tar Heels under first-year head coach Hubert Davis.

Of course, when he committed to the program, we knew what type of player he was, but no one EVER expected him to make as big of an impact as he did.

Both on and off the court.

A new head coach always brings some uncertainty, as we all anxiously awaited to see what Davis had in store for this historic program that he was given the reins to. What started as a bit of a bumpy road ended in a masterful run to the NCAA National Championship game, a run that simply wouldn’t have been possible without Manek’s presence.

Manek thrived when the spotlight shined on him the most. He served as a lethal three-point shooter and truly exemplified what a prototypical “stretch four” should be. From big-time baskets to some key defensive plays, Manek did a little bit of everything for the Tar Heels, as his presence was certainly one that stood out.

When fellow transfer Dawson Garcia left the program, Manek was asked to take on an even bigger role in Davis’ rotation. Of course, Manek never shied away from it, as he was willing to do everything and anything he could to help the team succeed.

And boy, did he do everything he could.

There were times that he, along with the other members of the “Iron 5” were truly out of gas. It’s not easy for players to log so many minutes over a course of a season, especially averaging anywhere from 35-38 minutes per night!

This NEVER stopped him from giving everything he had, as it was never about him, it was more about the team than anything. No matter what- he’s a guy that will give you everything he’s got every single day.

Off the court, Manek became a beloved figure in the Tar Heels locker room. Ask the famous “Biscuit Boys,” they will certainly vouch for that!

He has a personality that is simply unique. Check out his TikTok posts if you haven’t already- they are certainly worth the watch!

Yes, he was only in Chapel Hill for one very memorable season. Once it ended, Manek left Tar Heel nation with just one distinct question:

“Why couldn’t we have Brady Manek for more than one season?!”

For the NBA team that is lucky to acquire him, we can attest that you are adding a tremendous player and person to your organization. After seeing what he did in just a span of a couple of months in Chapel Hill, we are certain that he will continue to do the same as he begins his professional career.

Just like we are grateful that he chose to spend his final collegiate season in Chapel Hill, you’re going to be just as pleased to add him to your respective organization.

Of course, we are certain that Brady Manek will prove that you made the right decision.

On behalf of the Keeping It Heel team, we wish Brady Manek the best of luck as he begins his professional basketball career!

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