Manek Lifts Lid On Hair and Beard Positivity

Perth Wildcats import Brady Manek has opened up on how his beard and long, flowing hair has now become a staple of his public image.

“It gives people something to recognise me by,” Manek told One-On-One.

Manek has gone through a handful of haircuts throughout the years and one in particular which fans associated him with Boston Celtics icon Larry Bird.

“I grew my hair out a few years ago and the Larry Bird stuff blew up because I had a moustache and long hair,” Manek said.

“I shaved my head off and then and then grew my beard and hair out, and it’s been going for almost two years now.

“For me it’s really about being recognised and having the positive instead of the negative.

“I would like to have the buzzcut, that’s what I like it’s the easiest, I didn’t have a beard I really wish I could go back. But for me right now, it gives people something to recognise me by and stand out a little more.

“This is who I am now basketball wise, so I’m going to have to keep it for a little longer.”

Manek’s last game with the ‘Cats was his best yet, he was the lead scorer with 25 points coming off the bench.

The 24-year-old grew up playing the game with his brother and eventually had to stop because of their competitive nature.

“We weren't allowed to play much because it would turn into a fight,” Manek said.

“We hadn't played since we were little. We were very competitive on the same team as well. One always wanted to do better than the other. So, it's kind of what pushed us to be good at whatever we did sports.”