Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets add two forwards with North Carolina ties

By Evan Birchmore

Mar 17, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Isaiah Whaley (5) dribbles in the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Isaiah Whaley (5) dribbles in the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Amidst the buzz surrounding Thursday’s NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets made a pair of lesser-discussed moves by adding two players with ties to the region. Isaiah Whaley, a 6’9” power forward from Connecticut by way of Gastonia, North Carolina, agreed to an exhibit-10 contract with Charlotte on Thursday. Meanwhile, Brady Manek, who blossomed into a household name for the North Carolina Tar Heels last season, signed on to play with the Hornets summer league team. While Hornets fans may be familiar with their names, they may not know much about their games or how they will translate to the NBA level.

Both Whaley and Manek are five-year college players, and both will be 24 years old at the beginning of next season. While this likely means that they are at or near their full potential already, it also means that the Hornets should know whether they are long-term players in a short time.

As mentioned, Whaley has roots in nearby Gastonia, North Carolina, beginning his high school career at Ashbrook High School before transferring to Charlotte’s Evelyn Mack Academy. Whaley is a seasoned player, having spent four seasons at Connecticut at improving statistically in every season that he was healthy. In his senior season, Whaley posted averages of 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks while shooting 51% from the field, 74% from the free throw line, and 29% from three-point range. His best performance of the season came on February 1st when he posted 20 points and six blocks, both season-highs. At the end of the year, Whaley’s defensive efforts were rewarded as he was named the Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Posh Alexander from St. John’s.

In order to make headway in the NBA, Whaley will need to focus on improving on the offensive end and improving as a rebounder. His shooting percentages suggest that he could at least be a serviceable shooter at the next level, but as a big man he would be well served to develop a face-up game to add to his offensive arsenal. Whaley was the fourth-leading rebounder for Connecticut, suggesting that he will need to improve in that area in order to contribute to a Hornets team that finished last season ranked 29th and 27th in defensive rebounding percentage and rebounding percentage, respectively.

Meanwhile, Manek enjoyed a successful season at North Carolina after transferring from Oklahoma, where he was a contributor for four seasons. Manek posted averages of 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as he helped lead his team to within minutes of capturing the national championship. Manek’s most translatable skill is his shooting, particularly from three-point range, as he shot 40% last season and 38% for his college career. As mentioned, Manek will turn 24 years old before the NBA season begins, so he could be a player who immediately flashes his full abilities but is unable to develop beyond that point. Defense will be an area to improve at the next level, as Manek is a bit undersized to defend the post but a bit slow to defend the perimeter. He does not project as a rim protector, as he averaged less than one block per game in four out of his five seasons in college.

Whaley and Manek are familiar names for fans who kept up with college basketball this past season. However, what caliber of player they can be at the NBA level is still unknown, but the Hornets will begin to get an idea when they begin NBA Summer League play on Friday, July 8th against the Indiana Pacers.