Hubert Davis, Brady Manek discuss challenges of shooting in Caesars Superdome

An intriguing Final Four matchup is on the docket for Saturday night between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils. Stakes are obviously high, and both teams will have to get used to shooting inside Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. But UNC head coach Hubert Davis and star forward Brady Manek aren’t concerned with shooting despite playing in the different type of arena.

While shooting in the Superdome might not seem like a daunting task, it can be drastically different than shooting in a traditional arena. Ultimately, Davis wants Manek and other players on UNC’s roster to just shoot how they have been all season.

“I haven’t talked to them one second about the sight lines or the depth perception or shooting the ball in a dome,” Davis said. “When I was a player, I didn’t think about it either. I just wanted to shoot. And it’s just a nonfactor to me.

“I’m not saying that it’s not a nonfactor for others. But for me, it was never. And for our players, it’s not a factor. Brady is going to shoot. Armando is going to shoot. It’s the same way at the Smith Center. They shoot it the right way, it’s going to go in. If we miss it, we’re going to get the offensive rebound. If we miss the offensive rebound, we’re going to get fouled and go to the free-throw line. And statistically we’re the best free-throw shooting team in the ACC. We’ve got three cracks at it. I feel very confident about our shooting in the Superdome.”

Manek echoes Davis, isn’t concerned with the differences in shooting

Manek has turned into a force for UNC this season, and he will be a key part of the game plan against Duke in the Final Four on Saturday night. Like Davis, Manek isn’t really concerned with the differences of shooting in Caesars Superdome. Ultimately, Manek views it as no different than shooting in the wind as a kid growing up.

“Kind of what he said, if you never shot outside the driveway with the wind blowing and you miss it and it rolls down the street, you haven’t really shot a basketball,” said Manek. “So I don’t think it will be too big of a problem for us. I’m just excited to get going.”

Manek is averaging 15.2 points per game this season, shooting 49.5% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. He will look to continue that success and carry it into the Final Four.

Tip for Saturday night’s game is set for approximately 8:49 p.m. ET.