Charlotte, NC – Imperative is an understatement when describing the impact of one talented player for the Minnesota State Community and Technical College Men's Basketball team. Sophomore forward, Foday Sheriff has been named as the 2025 NJCAA DIII Men's Basketball Player of the Year.
Sheriff led the way for the Spartans all season long, bringing them to the NJCAA DIII Men's Basketball National Championship, helping them to a final four appearance in the tournament. Minnesota State finished their season with a 30-4 record.
"What a tremendous and well-deserved honor for Foday to be named First Team All-American! It's an understatement to call him a complete player. He can score inside and out, elevates his teammates through his exceptional passing and court awareness, and consistently amazes with his athleticism," said Head Coach, Dave Cresap. "Beyond his outstanding skills, we deeply appreciate the great teammate and person of character Foday has been for us, both on and off the court. We are credibly proud of his passing and court awareness and consistently amazes with his athleticism."
Sheriff's 2025 season was filled with many highs and dominant performances. He not only led his team in many categories, but all of NJCAA. He was number one in the nation in FG (301-523) and defensive rebounds (286). He was second in the nation in total points with 750. Sheriff averaged 10.8 rebounds per game and 8.4 defensive rebounds per game. He also led his team in points per game with 22.1.
The sophomore forward from Upper Derby, PA was named as a First Team All-America selection as well as the Region XIII Division III MVP and All-MCAC Team. Sheriff was also awarded NJCAA Player of the Week honors in December 2024 and MCAC South Player of the Year.
"Beyond his outstanding skills, we deeply appreciate the great teammate and person of character Foday has been for us, both on and off the court. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and grateful for his contributions to Spartan Basketball. He was truly a joy to coach, and we know great things await him after M State," Cresap said.
Personal
- Position: Forward
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Upper Derby, PA
- High School: West Fargo High School
2024-25 Statistics
- 22.1 PPG
- 10.8 Rebounds Per Game
- 8.4 Defensive Rebounds Per Game
- 750 Total Points
- 152 Assists
2024-25 Accomplishments
- 2024-25 NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball First-Team All-America Selection
- NJCAA Player of the Week
- 2024-25 All-MCAC Team
- 2024-25 MCAC South Player-of-the-Year
- 2024-25 Region XIII Division III MVP