Manek to Return for NBL24?

The signings of Keanu Pinder, David Okwera, Hyrum Harris and now Next Star Alexandre Sarr has given the Perth Wildcats a drastically different frontcourt look than NBL23.

One question remains though. After the incredible run of form he put together at the back end of the season, is there room for import big Brady Manek in that group?

Manek arrived at the Wildcats last season after a successful college career with Oklahoma, and then North Caroline.

The now 24-year-old struggled to adapt to the pace and power of the professional game early in the season, but by the run-in, he proved to be a crucial contributor to the Wildcats.

He’s currently playing for Tofas in the Turkish Basketball Super League alongside Tasmania’s Milton Doyle, and Perth General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills says the club has kept an open dialogue with the UNC legend.

“Brady’s had a great first season in Europe in Turkey … those guys just qualified for the playoffs and Brady’s had some big games,” Mills told SEN.

“As talented as he is – especially with what we saw towards the back end of the [NBL] season – he’s going to have a lot of interest international and in the NBA.

“He’s going to play Summer League and then I think he’ll be in discussions with multiple clubs.

“We’ve kept an open line of communication there.”

The future of fellow NBL23 import big TaShawn Thomas is also clouded in uncertainty.

Thomas is currently representing Metropolitans 92 alongside Victor Wembanyama – the top projected pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Mills says both players could definitely return to the club next season if the fit is right.

“As the off-season unfolds and we start making moves those guys will be in consideration,” he said of the import pair.

“But there’s a big pool of candidates we’ll look at as well.”