College basketball fans, media react to Brady Manek going undrafted in 2022 NBA Draft
Former North Carolina standout Brady Manek went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday night.
That’s not necessarily a surprising development, as Manek wasn’t heralded as a top NBA prospect despite his senior season with the Tar Heels.
However, many thought Manek could get a look from NBA teams in the second round. He was an elite shooter for North Carolina last season, especially down the stretch. He made 43.1% of his 3-point attempts across 8 postseason games last year.
Manek also has great size and is a strong passer for a forward. The knocks against Manek include his age — he played 5 years of college basketball — and a relative lack of athleticism for the NBA game.
However, Manek will still likely have an opportunity to earn his spot in the NBA. He could sign a 2-way contract or an exhibit 10 deal with an NBA team. Either way, he’d have a chance to prove his value during Summer League action next month.
After the draft was over, numerous fans and media commented on Manek’s status. Plenty of fans asked for their favorite NBA team to sign Manek to a 2-way contract.
Here’s the best of that reaction:
My best prospects that did not get drafted… #NBADraft
Justin Lewis
Ron Harper Jr
Kenneth Lofton Jr
Johnny Juzang
Brady Manek
Kofi Cockburn
Julian Champagnie
Scotty Pippen Jr— Justin Pottinger (@JustinPottinger) June 24, 2022
My dawg @BradyManek didn’t get drafted it’s time to wake them up now
— Silent UnderDawg 🤫 (@Grind4Zhiya) June 24, 2022
Not sure how anyone could think Brady Manek isn’t going to be worth a second round draft pick. Guy can play in the NBA game for sure.
— ILoveDurham (@ILoveDurham01) June 24, 2022
Bro averaged more fouls then points, Brady just needs one chance and he will make every GM upset they didn’t get him
— soxfan0707 (@colemcginity15) June 24, 2022
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. @BradyManek will play in the NBA. He’s a 6’9” deadly shooter with excellent passing and cutting skills. Just great offensive savvy. He’s also strong and good on the glass. He wasn’t drafted, but he’ll get signed.#GoHeels
— Justin Damasiewicz (@justindama) June 24, 2022
Brady, ik you didn’t get drafted but its not time to give up. You are a great player and will definitely get a shot in the summer league to prove yourself. So good luck to you Ik you will do great! GOHEELS!!
— Bradley Helms (@Bro_Im_Brad) June 24, 2022
Hey @sixers @BradyManek is out there!
— Christian White (@bushybluecheese) June 24, 2022
@LAClippers Please go get Brady Manek
— clipperterrence (@ClampCity2020) June 24, 2022
Best Undrafted prospects, part two:
Johnny Juzang
Tevin Brown
Aminu Mohammed
Orlando Robinson
Brady Manek
Gabe Brown
Jamaree Bouyea
Darius Days
Bryson Williams
Jared Rhoden
James Akinjo
Yoan Makoundou
Iverson Molinar
Fanbo Zeng
Quenton Jackson
Hyunjung Lee
Trevor Hudgins— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2022
Totally disappointed in Michael and Mitch Kupchak. Had the 45th pick and a golden opportunity to land Brady who is battle tested and ready to push a team to the next level even depth wise as a sub yet what to they do? They draft a guy that rode the bench. WIN NOW! I'm done.
— alton owen (@altonowen4) June 24, 2022
Brady Manek, a 6-9 player from that same game who went undrafted, averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds in the tournament & can hit from deep. I get that he was a 5th-year grad transfer & Watson was a freshman, upside, untapped potential, yada yada. But Watson was a total non-factor.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) June 24, 2022
@BradyManek You should try to sign with the Jazz! Go Heels, go Jazz. Would love to see you prove the scouts wrong in a Jazz uniform… even if the new ones are uglier than sin.
— Nate Tayloe (@wolfman1212) June 24, 2022
@spurs sign brady manek to a two way contract please and thank you
— Tom Clark (@TboneClark24) June 24, 2022
Dear @RyanQualtrics, Please sign Brady Manek to a two-way (how he has not already been claimed I do not know). I already own a t-shirt with his face on it and can't wait to sport it in Vivint Arena. Please and thank you my friend. #TakeNote
— Morgan Jones Pearson (@mojo7795) June 24, 2022
I’m a Duke fan saying Brady Manek should be signed already as a udfa
— Terry Jean (@IamTJean) June 24, 2022
In total, 6 ACC players were selected in the 1st round of the 2022 NBA Draft — the most of any conference.