Bill Self offers thoughts on Brady Manek, how his game has changed since Oklahoma

Bill Self is well-aware of the threat Brady Manek poses. The Kansas coach faced Manek many times when he was a player at Oklahoma, and will see him one more time Monday in the national championship against North Carolina.

Manek transferred to the Tar Heels this offseason after four years with the Sooners and has quickly become one of the top players on Hubert Davis’ squad. So far in this year’s NCAA Tournament, the 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 20 points on 47.5% from 3-point range in addition to 7.2 rebounds.

He is one of many UNC players that the Jayhawks have their eye on entering Monday’s matchup.

“I think Brady has obviously been unbelievable,” Bill Self said in a Monday press conference. “He and Caleb (Love) have arguably been the two best players in the tournament. It’s shocking to me — and I just noticed this morning looking at stats — we’ve shot 91 3s as a team in the tournament. Manek and Love have shot 90 by themselves it’s amazing. And to have a guy 6’10” that has that quick a release, he’s playing with freedom.”

Manek was a freshman at Oklahoma in the 2017-18 season, the same year future Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young joined the team. He was a starter for the Sooners all four years, averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across his career. However, Bill Self said being on a new team has changed the way Brady Manek plays, and he isn’t the same player he was in Norman. He might be better.

“He was a threat always at OU, but Hubert’s given him a mind, a free mind that he feels like that anytime he’s got any separation at all he needs to let it fly,” Self said. “And that’s a compliment to his coach and their staff, but also he’s such a good player. He’s got such a quick release. It’s a high release. Playing him at OU, you had you to defend him probably a little more at the post, and now obviously with (Armando Bacot) in the game he’s playing primarily on the perimeter.”

So far this season, Manek is averaging career highs in both points (15.2) and 3-point percentage (40.1%). His play in the tournament has helped North Carolina go from an eight seed to pulling off upsets of Baylor and Duke to reach the national title game. Now, in his final college season, he has a chance to go down in history.

Tip off between the Tar Heels and Jayhawks is set for 9:20 p.m. ET Monday in New Orleans.