University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Northern Colorado Men’s Basketball Adds 6’8 UMKC Transfer
4/18/2025 9:27:00 AM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado Men's Basketball program has officially announced the signing of 6'8" wing Ring Nyeri, Head Coach Steve Smiley confirmed Thursday.
A native of Peoria, Arizona, Nyeri adds a dynamic blend of youth and proven Division I experience to the Bears' roster for the 2025-26 season.
Nyeri joins UNC after spending the 2024-25 season at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 46% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
He also contributed significantly on the defensive end, ranking second on the team with 21 blocks while averaging 13 minutes per game. His freshman campaign was highlighted by a 12-point outing in a win over Wichita State, where he knocked down a career-high four three-pointers.
Before beginning his college career, Nyeri starred at Liberty High School in Peoria, Ariz., playing under head coach Mark Wood. As a senior, he led Liberty to a 6A State Championship while averaging 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. He was named the Arizona 6A Offensive Player of the Year and the Regional Defensive Player of the Year.
Nyeri also competed on the AAU circuit with Factory, coached by Kenny Mullins, and was recognized as a three-star prospect by multiple recruiting outlets. He was ranked No. 178 overall in the Class of 2024 by 247Sports.
Head Coach Steve Smiley expressed his enthusiasm for Nyeri's addition:
"We're really excited that Ring has committed to the Bears for this next season! We've known Ring for quite a while, and recruited Ring while in high school at Liberty High School (AZ). His development and improvement over the past couple of years has been truly impressive, and his ceiling and potential is through the roof. Ring is a talented, skilled forward that can play a couple of different positions offensively and is a defensive weapon both on and off the ball. Offensively, Ring is already a proven shooter at the D1 level, and defensively, his length, athleticism, and ability to get into passing lanes and also protect the rim will help us immediately. Most importantly, Ring is a tremendous human being with a great energy and positive presence daily. We can't wait to get him to Greeley and start working!"
Mark Wood, his coach at Liberty High School, added:
"I've had the amazing opportunity to coach Ring from 8th grade through his senior season, and he is a resilient and driven. He has had setbacks and turned them into triumphs. He's a leader and champion, his unconditional work ethic demonstrates he is without peer. He is a special kid and has all the intangible tools it takes to succeed at Northern Colorado".
Kenny Mullins, his AAU Coach had this to say:
"Ring Nyeri, the person, is about the highest level of character you're going to find in a human being. The way he carries himself in life and how he treats others is how all people should strive to be. On the court, his passion, desire, and fortitude to play this game are the highest levels you will find. He is a leader and worker. His skill level and athleticism for his size are extremely high and only improving. Ring has an NBA ceiling and will work his butt off to reach that goal".
Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
A native of Peoria, Arizona, Nyeri adds a dynamic blend of youth and proven Division I experience to the Bears' roster for the 2025-26 season.
Nyeri joins UNC after spending the 2024-25 season at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 46% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
He also contributed significantly on the defensive end, ranking second on the team with 21 blocks while averaging 13 minutes per game. His freshman campaign was highlighted by a 12-point outing in a win over Wichita State, where he knocked down a career-high four three-pointers.
Before beginning his college career, Nyeri starred at Liberty High School in Peoria, Ariz., playing under head coach Mark Wood. As a senior, he led Liberty to a 6A State Championship while averaging 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. He was named the Arizona 6A Offensive Player of the Year and the Regional Defensive Player of the Year.
Nyeri also competed on the AAU circuit with Factory, coached by Kenny Mullins, and was recognized as a three-star prospect by multiple recruiting outlets. He was ranked No. 178 overall in the Class of 2024 by 247Sports.
Head Coach Steve Smiley expressed his enthusiasm for Nyeri's addition:
"We're really excited that Ring has committed to the Bears for this next season! We've known Ring for quite a while, and recruited Ring while in high school at Liberty High School (AZ). His development and improvement over the past couple of years has been truly impressive, and his ceiling and potential is through the roof. Ring is a talented, skilled forward that can play a couple of different positions offensively and is a defensive weapon both on and off the ball. Offensively, Ring is already a proven shooter at the D1 level, and defensively, his length, athleticism, and ability to get into passing lanes and also protect the rim will help us immediately. Most importantly, Ring is a tremendous human being with a great energy and positive presence daily. We can't wait to get him to Greeley and start working!"
Mark Wood, his coach at Liberty High School, added:
"I've had the amazing opportunity to coach Ring from 8th grade through his senior season, and he is a resilient and driven. He has had setbacks and turned them into triumphs. He's a leader and champion, his unconditional work ethic demonstrates he is without peer. He is a special kid and has all the intangible tools it takes to succeed at Northern Colorado".
Kenny Mullins, his AAU Coach had this to say:
"Ring Nyeri, the person, is about the highest level of character you're going to find in a human being. The way he carries himself in life and how he treats others is how all people should strive to be. On the court, his passion, desire, and fortitude to play this game are the highest levels you will find. He is a leader and worker. His skill level and athleticism for his size are extremely high and only improving. Ring has an NBA ceiling and will work his butt off to reach that goal".
Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
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