University of Northern Colorado Athletics
UNC Men’s Basketball Adds Manning Shareef To The Program
5/6/2026 3:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado men's basketball has added forward Manning Shareef from Trinidad State Junior College to its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
MEET THE SIGNEE
MANNING SHAREEF | FRESHMAN | FORWARD | TRINIDAD STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE | MILWAUKEE, WIS.
A 6-foot-8 forward from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Manning Shareef joins the Bears following a strong freshman campaign at Trinidad State Junior College. Shareef averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 58.8 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from three-point range, and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. His all-around production and efficiency made him a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Shareef played a pivotal role in leading Trinidad State to its fifth consecutive Region 9 Tournament Championship, earning a spot on the Region 9 All-Tournament Team. In the championship game against Lamar Community College, he delivered a standout performance with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.
He followed that up with another strong showing on the national stage, recording 25 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the team's national tournament match up against Snow College.
Originally from Milwaukee, Shareef attended Milwaukee School of Languages.
"The commitment of Manning Shareef is a big one for the Bears, and it helps to fill a big hole in our bigger forward spot! When looking to fill this spot our focus was on size, skill, and having a diverse skill set on both sides of the ball and finding a player from a winning program. Manning checks all those boxes after helping lead his Trinidad State JC team to the NJCAA national tournament as a freshman, while really blossoming as a player as the year went on" said Head Coach Steve Smiley. "In evaluating Manning, we felt like he played his best basketball as the season went on and we also feel like his upside and potential is through the roof as he continues to acclimate to the collegiate level. Most importantly, Manning is about all the right "stuff" and is going to be a great fit not only for our team, but for UNC and the Greeley community. Bears fans are going to really enjoy watching Manning next season".
"Manning has an incredibly high ceiling," said Head Coach Michael Folda of Trinidad State. "He has a great blend of guard skills along with size and athleticism. He was at his best when it mattered most for us. He is an outstanding young man who will have Bear fans cheering for years to come."
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)
MEET THE SIGNEE
MANNING SHAREEF | FRESHMAN | FORWARD | TRINIDAD STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE | MILWAUKEE, WIS.
A 6-foot-8 forward from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Manning Shareef joins the Bears following a strong freshman campaign at Trinidad State Junior College. Shareef averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 58.8 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from three-point range, and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. His all-around production and efficiency made him a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Shareef played a pivotal role in leading Trinidad State to its fifth consecutive Region 9 Tournament Championship, earning a spot on the Region 9 All-Tournament Team. In the championship game against Lamar Community College, he delivered a standout performance with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.
He followed that up with another strong showing on the national stage, recording 25 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the team's national tournament match up against Snow College.
Originally from Milwaukee, Shareef attended Milwaukee School of Languages.
"The commitment of Manning Shareef is a big one for the Bears, and it helps to fill a big hole in our bigger forward spot! When looking to fill this spot our focus was on size, skill, and having a diverse skill set on both sides of the ball and finding a player from a winning program. Manning checks all those boxes after helping lead his Trinidad State JC team to the NJCAA national tournament as a freshman, while really blossoming as a player as the year went on" said Head Coach Steve Smiley. "In evaluating Manning, we felt like he played his best basketball as the season went on and we also feel like his upside and potential is through the roof as he continues to acclimate to the collegiate level. Most importantly, Manning is about all the right "stuff" and is going to be a great fit not only for our team, but for UNC and the Greeley community. Bears fans are going to really enjoy watching Manning next season".
"Manning has an incredibly high ceiling," said Head Coach Michael Folda of Trinidad State. "He has a great blend of guard skills along with size and athleticism. He was at his best when it mattered most for us. He is an outstanding young man who will have Bear fans cheering for years to come."
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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