University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Ariik Mawien Joins the 2024 Class
5/20/2024 3:24:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Ariik Mawien committed to play for Northern Colorado and completing the 2024 recruiting class, head coach Steve Smiley announced Monday.
"We're ecstatic to finish up for the 2024 recruiting class with the signing of Ariik," Smiley said. "Ariik fit perfectly into what we were searching for in this last spot."
Mawien a 6'4" guard from Sioux Falls, South Dakota averaged 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game during the 2023-24 campaign with Link Year Prep Academy. He shot 47% from the field, including 38% from 3-point range.
"With a roster already top-heavy with 10 juniors and seniors, our goal was to get one more incoming freshman that we felt was talented and fit a couple of needs that we wanted to address, mainly getting one more perimeter player that could really shoot the ball and also help us athletically," Smiley said. "Ariik checks those boxes, and after playing a post-graduate year at one of the top prep programs in the country at Link Year, we believe he will be able to contribute if needed, but also have the long-term vision in developing his game and his body early in his career."
At Capistrano Valley Christian High School, he tallied 1,050 points and set the single-season school record with 2.5 blocks per contest.
"Ariik is a tremendous kid and a great student, and we believe he will fit into our roster perfectly," Smiley said.
What They Are Saying About Ariik
"Ariik is the epitome of Northern Colorado's culture and coaching staff - selfless, hard-working, humble, and hungry. The Bears have an athletic gem that has an extremely high ceiling on the court and will also be an ambassador for them off it! Ariik's best days are ahead!" - Adam Donyes, Link Year Prep Coach
"We're ecstatic to finish up for the 2024 recruiting class with the signing of Ariik," Smiley said. "Ariik fit perfectly into what we were searching for in this last spot."
Mawien a 6'4" guard from Sioux Falls, South Dakota averaged 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game during the 2023-24 campaign with Link Year Prep Academy. He shot 47% from the field, including 38% from 3-point range.
"With a roster already top-heavy with 10 juniors and seniors, our goal was to get one more incoming freshman that we felt was talented and fit a couple of needs that we wanted to address, mainly getting one more perimeter player that could really shoot the ball and also help us athletically," Smiley said. "Ariik checks those boxes, and after playing a post-graduate year at one of the top prep programs in the country at Link Year, we believe he will be able to contribute if needed, but also have the long-term vision in developing his game and his body early in his career."
At Capistrano Valley Christian High School, he tallied 1,050 points and set the single-season school record with 2.5 blocks per contest.
"Ariik is a tremendous kid and a great student, and we believe he will fit into our roster perfectly," Smiley said.
What They Are Saying About Ariik
"Ariik is the epitome of Northern Colorado's culture and coaching staff - selfless, hard-working, humble, and hungry. The Bears have an athletic gem that has an extremely high ceiling on the court and will also be an ambassador for them off it! Ariik's best days are ahead!" - Adam Donyes, Link Year Prep Coach
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Steve Smiley (Mar 17)
Tuesday, March 17
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Steve Smiley (Mar 3)
Tuesday, March 03
Steve Smiley, Quinn Denker and Ciara Piffarerio Press Conference vs Montana
Tuesday, March 03
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Steve Smiley (Feb. 24)
Tuesday, February 24
