University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Smiley Signs Colorado All-State First Team Selection
4/17/2024 4:54:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado men's basketball announced the addition of Hunter Caldwell to the 2024 signing class Wednesday.
"Hunter was the first recruit to commit to the Bears this spring, and we couldn't have been more thrilled," head coach Steve Smiley said. "Hunter has tremendous upside as a skilled post player at 6'10 already, shot over 50% from 3-point range this year and has a legitimate back-to-the-basket post game."
Caldwell, a 6'10" center from Luthern High School in Parker, Colorado, averaged 10.2 points 5.8 rebounds and one block during his three seasons. He scored 16.0 points and grabbed 7.4 rebounds, with 1.1 blocks per game, during his senior campaign.
After his final high school season, Caldwell collected Colorado All-State 4A First Team, Pikes Peak All-Conference First Team and Colorado All-State Academic Honorable Mention honors. He led the Centennial State with a 56% shooting percentage from 3-point range.
"We believe that with Hunter's work ethic, he will blossom in our program as he continues to develop his body and his skill level," Smiley said. "Hunter has the chance to be a very special player in our program for a long time!"
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT CALDWELL
"Hunter is an incredibly talented player and an even better young man. Hunter is a valued teammate and one of the best shooters I have been blessed to coach. I cannot wait to see the impact he will make at UNC, both on and off the court." – Bill Brandsma, Head Coach – Lutheran High School
"Hunter is a great basketball player but what makes him special is his relentless desire to get better. He approaches every season, every game, every practice and every rep as a chance to improve. I have never coached a player that has taken such a significant stride year over year. He embodies the essence of hard work and his dedication and willingness to outwork the competition will continue to fuel him at the next level." - Josh Murphy, Head Coach - Colorado Collective AAU
"Hunter was the first recruit to commit to the Bears this spring, and we couldn't have been more thrilled," head coach Steve Smiley said. "Hunter has tremendous upside as a skilled post player at 6'10 already, shot over 50% from 3-point range this year and has a legitimate back-to-the-basket post game."
Caldwell, a 6'10" center from Luthern High School in Parker, Colorado, averaged 10.2 points 5.8 rebounds and one block during his three seasons. He scored 16.0 points and grabbed 7.4 rebounds, with 1.1 blocks per game, during his senior campaign.
After his final high school season, Caldwell collected Colorado All-State 4A First Team, Pikes Peak All-Conference First Team and Colorado All-State Academic Honorable Mention honors. He led the Centennial State with a 56% shooting percentage from 3-point range.
"We believe that with Hunter's work ethic, he will blossom in our program as he continues to develop his body and his skill level," Smiley said. "Hunter has the chance to be a very special player in our program for a long time!"
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT CALDWELL
"Hunter is an incredibly talented player and an even better young man. Hunter is a valued teammate and one of the best shooters I have been blessed to coach. I cannot wait to see the impact he will make at UNC, both on and off the court." – Bill Brandsma, Head Coach – Lutheran High School
"Hunter is a great basketball player but what makes him special is his relentless desire to get better. He approaches every season, every game, every practice and every rep as a chance to improve. I have never coached a player that has taken such a significant stride year over year. He embodies the essence of hard work and his dedication and willingness to outwork the competition will continue to fuel him at the next level." - Josh Murphy, Head Coach - Colorado Collective AAU
Head Coach Smiley, Jaron Rillie, Zach Bloch, and Isaiah Hawthorne Post Game Press Conference v Idaho
Sunday, February 23
Head Coach Steve Smiley, Jaron Rillie, and Quinn Denker Post Game Press Conference vs E Washington
Friday, February 21
Head Coach Steve Smiley, Quinn Denker, and Jaron Rillie Post Game Press Conference vs Montana State
Sunday, February 09
Langston Reynolds and Quinn Denker Post Game Press Conference vs NAU
Saturday, February 08
