Buffs land 2027 commitment from Wasatch Academy
Point guard Mana Winitana announced his commitment to the Colorado Buffaloes for the 2027 season on Wednesday. Winitana visited the University of Colorado on Sept. 12. He also visited the Utah Utes but ultimately chose the Buffaloes as his top choice.
The 6-foot-2 guard from Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, shined during this year’s offseason in the Nike EYBL 17U sessions, averaging 18.5 points and 6.6 assists per game in Las Vegas.
The Elite Youth Basketball League Sessions take place over the summer, consisting of some of the best youth teams and future prospects in the country, where Winitana was an All-Tournament Third Team selection. He enters his final season at a top program in Wasatch Academy, looking to expand his role and establish himself as one of the top guard recruits in his class. 247sports.com currently ranks him as a three-star prospect and the third-ranked recruit in Utah.
Before moving up divisions to play for Wasatch, Winitana was a star for American Heritage High School, averaging 21.3 points per game and ranking among the top performers in their division. He played an important role off the bench for Wasatch last season, appearing in 17 games and averaging 6.7 points and 2.1 assists.
Winitana grew up in New Zealand, the same region as CU’s new recruits Alex Dickeson and Goc Malual, as well as assistant coach Nate Tomlinson. His father, Pāora Wintana, was a professional basketball player for the Tall Blacks and New Zealand National team, and recently coached him at American Heritage High School prior to his move to Wasatch.
Winitana will be joining a young but deep Colorado backcourt next season, with many new transfers and current freshmen looking to prove themselves under head coach Tad Boyle.
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