Former UNC Basketball star signs contract extension in the EuroLeague

Remember Brady Manek?

Of course you do. He's one of the most beloved transfers to ever play for the UNC Basketball program and was part of the magical 2022 NCAA Tournament Run that included upsetting Duke in the Final Four and appearing in the National Championship game.

The former UNC Basketball star has spent the previous two years playing overseas, first in Australia with the Perth Wildcats and then last winter with Tofas in the Basketball Super League. Over the summer, Manek signed with Zalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League which is also a member of the EuroLeague.

That deal was a two year deal with a player option to return in 2024-2025. Manek has been renewed on that contract, but under a different set of terms for the future.

On his previous 1+1 contract, Manek had the player option to search for a new team at the end of the season, while his new two-year contract does not have that player option.

This was his first season in the EuroLeague and to know surprise of UNC Basketball fans, he is having an impact. He's averaging 7.5 points per game, while making a remarkable 42.9% of his three-point attempts. In games with the Lithuanian Basketball League, he's averaging 8.3 points per game on 47.3% shooting from beyond the arc.

Zalgiris Club Director Paulius Jankunas commented on why they opted to resign Manek as the team begins to look toward the future:

"As an organization, we are always looking forward, so when we are thinking about next season’s team, we definitely want to have Brady on it. He has adapted to the EuroLeague, fits well in the coaches’ schemes and is an elite shooter. We see more potential, so we are very happy that he also believed in our organization and decided to stay in Kaunas."

The former UNC Basketball sharp-shooter from Oklahoma will continue to play professionally overseas while also supporting the current Tar Heels during their season. If you visit Manek's social media page on X, you will find recent posts re-sharing RJ Davis winning ACC Player of the Year along with former Tar Heel Caleb Love winning PAC-12 Player of the Year.

The Carolina Family bond is real, even halfway across the country in Lithuania. We wish Brady Manek continued success overseas!