Mac Manzanares Added to Men’s Basketball Roster

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico announced Wednesday the addition of Mac Manzanares to the roster. A 6-5 forward, Manzanares is an incoming freshman who will join the program as a non-scholarship player.

A native of Albuquerque, Manzanares comes to UNM after a standout high school career at Sandia Prep. He is a two-time first-team Class AAA all-state selection and the was the 2022 District 5-AAA player of the year. As a senior, Manzanares averaged 22.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game as Sandia Prep reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament. The 2022 Class A-AAA Metro Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, he was selected to play in the 2022 North/South All-Star Game. As a junior, he helped Sandia Prep reach the Class AAA state final.

“Any time we can add a first-team all-state player, it will be beneficial to our basketball program,” said head coach Richard Pitino. “If there is a player in Albuquerque, or anywhere in the state of New Mexico, that is good enough to help the Lobos, we need to get them. We feel like Mac can help our program and we are excited about his addition.”

“For any kid growing up in New Mexico, any time you pick up a basketball you dream of playing in The Pit for the Lobos,” said Manzanares. “I have imagined myself playing for the Lobos my whole life and it’s amazing to think I will be out there wearing that uniform. I can’t thank Coach Pitino and the staff enough for this amazing opportunity that is truly more than a dream come true.”

Manzanares joins a freshman class that includes Braden Appelhans, Donovan Dent and Quinton Webb, who all signed with the Lobos last fall.