University of Northern Colorado Athletics
UNC Adds Colorado Talent
11/13/2024 12:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Tanner Braketa signed with Northern Colorado men's basketball, continuing the Bears Colorado pipeline by adding an in-state standout to the 2025 recruiting class, head coach Steve Smiley announced Wednesday.
Braketa a 6'1 guard from Arvada, Colorado plays at Ralston Valley High School in the Jeffco League where he has collected many accolades and will compete for the 6A state championship. Tanner enters his senior year as the No. 2 ranked player in Colorado, per Colorado Prep Hoops.
"We were thrilled to receive the commitment of Tanner Braketa, a prospect that we identified, recruited and offered at a younger age than we usually are comfortable with, so to get Tanner to commit and sign with the Bears was the result of a lot of work over a long period of time," Smiley said. "Tanner has proven himself over the past years as one of the top players in the state of Colorado at Ralston Valley High School, and on the Recruit Look Circuit with B&B Academy. We couldn't be happier that Tanner is joining our program, as he exemplifies exactly what we want from our players both on and off the court. On the court, he's a tremendous competitor, an elite shooter, tough with a great basketball IQ, and a winner. Off the court, he's a great student, a connector, and Tanner will be a fantastic addition to our UNC and Greeley communities."
Braketa has tallied impressive statistics in his 3-year career thus far, averaging 19.3 ppg while shooting a career 42% from behind the arch. He has also shot an impressive 88% from the free-throw line, while averaging 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.6 steals. Before beginning his senior campaign Braketa totaling 1,160 career points. Tanner has been selected two-time Jeffco League MVP, two-time first team all-conference, and selected as a top five player in the 17U Recruit Look Circuit in the summer of 2024. Braketa has also excelled in the classroom carrying over a 4.0 GPA, receiving 1st team All-State Academic team and serving as the student body vice-president.
What Others say about Tanner:
"We have never coached a player who consistently surpasses expectations like Tanner. Tanner is relentless in his preparation and eagerness that inspires both teammates and coaches. Coach Smiley, Coach Reed and the entire coaching staff were amazing in their recruitment of Tanner. We couldn't think of a better place for him to continue to grow and develop. Go Bears!" - Stephen Bahl, B&B Academy
"Tanner's ability to do whatever it takes to be a great teammate, leader and winner will be a tremendous asset to UNC basketball. Tanner has a relentless work ethic to be the best he can be in all aspects of his life. The entire Ralston Valley Basketball community is excited to see Tanner in a UNC Bear uniform next year!" - Chris Braketa, Ralston Valley High School
Braketa a 6'1 guard from Arvada, Colorado plays at Ralston Valley High School in the Jeffco League where he has collected many accolades and will compete for the 6A state championship. Tanner enters his senior year as the No. 2 ranked player in Colorado, per Colorado Prep Hoops.
"We were thrilled to receive the commitment of Tanner Braketa, a prospect that we identified, recruited and offered at a younger age than we usually are comfortable with, so to get Tanner to commit and sign with the Bears was the result of a lot of work over a long period of time," Smiley said. "Tanner has proven himself over the past years as one of the top players in the state of Colorado at Ralston Valley High School, and on the Recruit Look Circuit with B&B Academy. We couldn't be happier that Tanner is joining our program, as he exemplifies exactly what we want from our players both on and off the court. On the court, he's a tremendous competitor, an elite shooter, tough with a great basketball IQ, and a winner. Off the court, he's a great student, a connector, and Tanner will be a fantastic addition to our UNC and Greeley communities."
Braketa has tallied impressive statistics in his 3-year career thus far, averaging 19.3 ppg while shooting a career 42% from behind the arch. He has also shot an impressive 88% from the free-throw line, while averaging 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.6 steals. Before beginning his senior campaign Braketa totaling 1,160 career points. Tanner has been selected two-time Jeffco League MVP, two-time first team all-conference, and selected as a top five player in the 17U Recruit Look Circuit in the summer of 2024. Braketa has also excelled in the classroom carrying over a 4.0 GPA, receiving 1st team All-State Academic team and serving as the student body vice-president.
What Others say about Tanner:
"We have never coached a player who consistently surpasses expectations like Tanner. Tanner is relentless in his preparation and eagerness that inspires both teammates and coaches. Coach Smiley, Coach Reed and the entire coaching staff were amazing in their recruitment of Tanner. We couldn't think of a better place for him to continue to grow and develop. Go Bears!" - Stephen Bahl, B&B Academy
"Tanner's ability to do whatever it takes to be a great teammate, leader and winner will be a tremendous asset to UNC basketball. Tanner has a relentless work ethic to be the best he can be in all aspects of his life. The entire Ralston Valley Basketball community is excited to see Tanner in a UNC Bear uniform next year!" - Chris Braketa, Ralston Valley High School
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