University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Add In-State Standout Drew Paine to 2026 Recruiting Class
11/12/2025 9:07:00 AM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Drew Paine has signed with Northern Colorado men's basketball, continuing the Bears' strong in-state recruiting presence with a Colorado standout, head coach Steve Smiley announced Wednesday.
Paine, a 6'8 forward/center from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, plays at ThunderRidge High School, where he has made his mark as one of the premier frontcourt players in the state. A skilled big man with a versatile inside-out game, Paine has already earned First Team All-Continental League and Second Team 6A All-State honors while helping lead the Grizzlies to the Colorado 6A State Championship game as a sophomore.
"We're really excited to get Drew's commitment to be one of the cornerstones of our 2026 recruiting class!," said head coach Steve Smiley, "Drew has had a great high school career at Thunder Ridge High School already, and we believe he will have an absolutely huge senior season. Additionally, Drew had a great club career playing with one of the top teams in the country, the Mountain Stars of the UAA circuit. Drew is an extremely skilled forward that can play both inside and on the perimeter, and he's the type of player that can connect our offense in so many ways. He's a proven winner and proven talent that will succeed in the Big Sky, but more importantly Drew is an elite human being that will be great in the classroom and in our Greeley community. We can't wait to start working with Drew!"
Paine has developed into one of the top big men in Colorado, known for his soft shooting touch, rebounding ability, and defensive versatility. His leadership and competitiveness have been key to ThunderRidge's success in recent seasons.
Paine plans to major in Business Finance at Northern Colorado and says his decision was about fit both on and off the court.
"I felt like I fit in from both a school and sports perspective," Paine said.
Away from basketball, Paine enjoys playing golf and spending time outdoors. His long-term goal is to pursue a professional basketball career.
What Others Say About Drew:
"DP is one of the most dynamic and versatile players I've ever coached. His skill set and feel for the gamer exceptional. He is passionate about developing his game and he's an elite competitor on the court! The sky is the limit for Drew!" - Joe Ortiz, Thunder Ridge High School, Head Coach
"In my opinion, the Bears are getting not only one of the most skilled bigs in Colorado but in the country. Drew's versatility in being able to dribble, pass and shoot make him a match up problem that fits perfectly into Coach Smiley's team. He is going to be a guy that UNC fans are going to love!" - Steve Grabowski, Mountain Stars Director
Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
Paine, a 6'8 forward/center from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, plays at ThunderRidge High School, where he has made his mark as one of the premier frontcourt players in the state. A skilled big man with a versatile inside-out game, Paine has already earned First Team All-Continental League and Second Team 6A All-State honors while helping lead the Grizzlies to the Colorado 6A State Championship game as a sophomore.
"We're really excited to get Drew's commitment to be one of the cornerstones of our 2026 recruiting class!," said head coach Steve Smiley, "Drew has had a great high school career at Thunder Ridge High School already, and we believe he will have an absolutely huge senior season. Additionally, Drew had a great club career playing with one of the top teams in the country, the Mountain Stars of the UAA circuit. Drew is an extremely skilled forward that can play both inside and on the perimeter, and he's the type of player that can connect our offense in so many ways. He's a proven winner and proven talent that will succeed in the Big Sky, but more importantly Drew is an elite human being that will be great in the classroom and in our Greeley community. We can't wait to start working with Drew!"
Paine has developed into one of the top big men in Colorado, known for his soft shooting touch, rebounding ability, and defensive versatility. His leadership and competitiveness have been key to ThunderRidge's success in recent seasons.
Paine plans to major in Business Finance at Northern Colorado and says his decision was about fit both on and off the court.
"I felt like I fit in from both a school and sports perspective," Paine said.
Away from basketball, Paine enjoys playing golf and spending time outdoors. His long-term goal is to pursue a professional basketball career.
What Others Say About Drew:
"DP is one of the most dynamic and versatile players I've ever coached. His skill set and feel for the gamer exceptional. He is passionate about developing his game and he's an elite competitor on the court! The sky is the limit for Drew!" - Joe Ortiz, Thunder Ridge High School, Head Coach
"In my opinion, the Bears are getting not only one of the most skilled bigs in Colorado but in the country. Drew's versatility in being able to dribble, pass and shoot make him a match up problem that fits perfectly into Coach Smiley's team. He is going to be a guy that UNC fans are going to love!" - Steve Grabowski, Mountain Stars Director
Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
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