Nasir Mann '26 – Building a Legacy on and off the Court
For Nasir Mann ’26, the journey to the NCAA Tournament was a journey paved with hard work and determination. As a sport communication major at Queens University of Charlotte, Mann has become a defining face of the men’s basketball team’s successful transition to NCAA Division I.
Joining the Royals as a junior, Mann entered while Queens was still making its name in the DI landscape and was drawn to the university’s vision.
“Our goals and our plans for the future really brought people in, such as me,” Mann reflects. “Working hard every single day and trusting in each other and our coaches really helped us propel forward.”
That trust paid off. Mann was instrumental in the team’s historic run, culminating in an ASUN Conference Tournament victory and the program’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. His performance didn’t go unnoticed; he was named 2026 Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament MVP, and in January 2026, he was named the ASUN Player of the Week after averaging 14 points and 7.5 rebounds, including a high-flying dunk that landed him on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10.
Leadership and Personal Growth
Beyond the stats and the highlights, Mann credits Men’s Basketball Head Coach Grant Leonard with shaping him into the player he is today.
“Queens made me more of a vocal leader,” Mann says. “It’s made me a better teammate, which is also making me a better person. It helped me become a better man by taking accountability and teaching me leadership skills.”
This growth wasn’t just evident to Mann himself; it was clearly visible to those guiding him from the sidelines. “Working with Nas has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Leonard. “To watch him grow naturally into a leader and to see his decision-making go to the highest level was inspiring.”
A Milestone for the Family
While Mann’s brother, Tre Mann, plays professionally for the Charlotte Hornets, he’s carving out a legacy of his own as a first-generation college graduate. For Mann, the degree is a tribute to his parents’ sacrifices.
“My parents had us when they were young, so there’s a lot of stuff they missed out on,” he explains. “I’m glad I could achieve that for them. For me to actually get a degree, I think it’s a big deal. Education is something that my family values, and they’re very proud of me for it.”
The Next Chapter
Though Mann plans to enter the transfer portal after graduating from Queens, he remains a “Royal for life.” He leaves Charlotte having embraced it as his “second home,” from the mild temperatures to the local community that rallied behind the team during their championship run.
In the future, Mann envisions himself as a successful entrepreneur, running a business and continuing the same drive he brought to Curry Arena. As he prepares to graduate, he leaves behind a legacy of success that future Royals will follow for years to come.
“Nas will be great at whatever he decides to put his efforts into because of his work ethic,” said Leonard. “He’s an elite example of the quality of person that Queens cultivates, and we will be rooting for him every step of the way.”