NCAA Tournament 2022: Players to watch in Friday’s Sweet 16 matchups

Brady Manek, 6-foot-9 forward, North Carolina Tar Heels

Brady Manek is playing like he’s been in the NCAA Tournament before and for what it’s worth, it’s his fourth time in the tournament as he looks to go further than he ever has with the North Carolina Tar Heels past the Sweet 16.

Manek has been the leading name for the Tar Heels on offense heading into their matchup with the Bruins. He’s put up 27.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.0 bpg as their 8th-seeded squad has continued to prevail following a defeat of No. 1 seed Baylor in the East Region.

He’s knocked down a total of nine 3-pointers already including four against Baylor to the tune of 26 points. In their victory before that against Marquette, he knocked down five 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 28 points.

He’s been a matchup nightmare for opponents with his ability to attack inside and out this past weekend. It’s also helped that he’s shooting 64.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range.

Manek has saved his best for last as he looks to go out with a bang in this year’s tournament. With Armando Bacot and R.J. Davis in tow, look for him to make a splash in Friday night’s game against the UCLA Bruins.