From Oklahoma to Chapel Hill Glory: Why Brady Manek Remains Coach Hubert Davis’ Most Impactful Transfer
When Brady Manek left the Oklahoma Sooners after four productive seasons, few could have predicted the legacy he would go on to leave in Chapel Hill. What seemed like a quiet transfer at the time soon turned into one of the most impactful additions in modern UNC basketball history. In his single year wearing Carolina blue, Manek didn’t just fill a roster spot — he reinvigorated a team, galvanized a fanbase, and helped lead the Tar Heels on a magical Final Four run in Coach Hubert Davis’ debut season.
Manek, a 6-foot-9 “stretch four,” arrived in Chapel Hill with the reputation of being a solid floor-spacer and veteran presence. But what he became for North Carolina was far more than that. His blend of size, shooting, basketball IQ, and emotional fire gave the 2021–22 Tar Heels a new identity — one that was tough, fearless, and dangerous from anywhere on the court.
Alongside Armando Bacot, Manek helped form a frontcourt tandem that perfectly complemented one another. While Bacot operated as the bruising inside force, Manek’s ability to drain threes and stretch the floor gave UNC’s offense a deadly balance. Defenders couldn’t clog the paint with Manek on the wing, and that space allowed guards like RJ Davis and Caleb Love to penetrate and create.
Manek’s season averages — 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and nearly 40% from three-point range — only scratch the surface of his value. It was the timing and tone of his performances that elevated him to legendary status. He had a knack for showing up in big moments, hitting clutch shots, and keeping the Tar Heels grounded in adversity.
The turning point of the season came in February, when the Tar Heels were fighting for NCAA Tournament relevance. Manek began to heat up, scoring efficiently and energizing his teammates. He dropped 20+ points multiple times in the final stretch of the season and hit his stride just as the postseason began.
During the NCAA Tournament, Manek was unstoppable. He had 28 points against Marquette in the opening round, then followed that up with 26 points against top-seeded Baylor before his controversial ejection nearly swung the game. Still, his impact helped UNC build a lead large enough to hang on in overtime. His tournament play became the heartbeat of UNC’s Cinderella-like run, culminating in a Final Four classic win over archrival Duke, spoiling Coach K’s farewell.
In that instant-classic showdown, Manek showed poise beyond measure — scoring, rebounding, diving for loose balls, and holding the team together emotionally in high-pressure moments. While others made headlines, it was clear to insiders and fans alike: Brady Manek was the glue.
Though UNC ultimately fell just short against Kansas in the national title game, Manek’s influence never wavered. He was the spark that resurrected a proud program, gave a rookie head coach instant credibility, and became a fan favorite whose scraggly beard and fearless play style will never be forgotten.
More than a transfer, Manek was a culture-setter. He proved that the transfer portal, when used wisely, could completely reshape a team’s future. Even as UNC continues to land elite talent, Coach Davis’ staff often refers to Manek’s professionalism, leadership, and toughness as the standard they seek in future transfers.
Today, Brady Manek plays professionally overseas, but his presence still lingers in Chapel Hill. He wasn’t there for long, but he arrived exactly when UNC needed him most — and in doing so, etched his name among Tar Heel legends.
From Norman to North Carolina, Brady Manek didn’t just transfer — he transformed.
