Perth Legend Backs Manek

If there’s one former Wildcat who knows what a quality import looks like, it’s Andrew Vlahov, and the Perth legend likes what he sees in TaShawn Thomas and Brady Manek.

Vlahov played for the Wildcats for over a decade and ended his career with three championships and two All-NBL First Team selections. His number 21 jersey hangs proudly in the rafters alongside the likes of NBL import legends Ricky Grace, Scott Fisher and James Crawford.

“I really like TaShawn (Thomas),” Vlahov said on SEN. “I think he understands the game, he’s been around a little bit and he’s played in some pretty competitive places overseas – particularly in Europe.

“I actually think Manek is going to be ok as well. I think he’s going to be a bit of a secret weapon … watching him shoot the ball, he’s clearly got the right biomechanics there – he just needs a bit of confidence.

“Once he gets his feet set and a few of those shots drop for him I’d expect him, by game four or five, to be in double figure points on a regular basis.”

After being a dominant force in college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels last season Manek has experienced something of a stuttering start to his professional career.

In his NBL debut he scored eight points off of 2-11 shooting. He also contributed four rebounds, an assist and two steals in just over 28 minutes.

Vlahov has compared Manek to two legends of the club and says the bearded import can replicate their successes.

“Don’t have these huge expectations of Manek,” he said. “I looked at John Mooney when he came over and thought ‘I’m not sure this guy can compete’ … but he did nothing but impress me [because] he outworked people.

“One of the things I came to know about (Kevin) Lisch is his work ethic is just so impressive. He was never going to sit on his laurels. He did shoot poorly in those first couple of games and just needed a rocket, [but] I don’t think Brady needs a rocket.

“If Brady is prepared to do the work as a professional then I think we’ll see good things from him as a Wildcat.”