University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Denker Earns Big Sky Player of the Week, Portland Invitational All-Tournament Team Honors
11/25/2025 2:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
FARMINGTON, Utah — After a dominant three-game performance at the Portland Invitational, guard Quinn Denker has been named Big Sky Player of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday. Denker also earned a spot on the Portland Invitational All-Tournament Team, solidifying himself as one of the event's premier performers while leading the Bears to a 2-1 weekend and a 5-1 start to the season.
Denker delivered one of the most complete stretches of his UNC career, averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and shooting 91.3 percent (21-for-23) at the free-throw line across the three-game tournament. He logged over 35 minutes per game, serving as the Bears' primary creator and late-game stabilizer throughout the demanding three-games-in-three-days slate.
He opened the Invitational with 21 points and six assists in a narrow 73-72 loss to St. Thomas, hitting 7-of-9 at the line and controlling the offense for more than 35 minutes.
Denker was at his best on Saturday against Portland, erupting for 29 points, adding seven assists, and going a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. His efficiency (8-for-14 FG, 3-for-4 3FG) and poise powered UNC through the second leg of its back-to-back.
He closed the weekend with 13 points and four assists in UNC's 97-93 win over Cal State Fullerton, providing key buckets and orchestrating critical late possessions as the Bears held off multiple Titan runs.
Across the weekend, Denker posted 63 total points, led UNC in assists, and finished as one of the most efficient scorers in the field. His impact on both ends, coupled with his heavy workload and production in pressure situations, earned him both Big Sky and tournament honors.
This marks the first Big Sky Player of the Week award of Denker's career and the first weekly award for UNC in the 2025-26 season.
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).
Denker delivered one of the most complete stretches of his UNC career, averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and shooting 91.3 percent (21-for-23) at the free-throw line across the three-game tournament. He logged over 35 minutes per game, serving as the Bears' primary creator and late-game stabilizer throughout the demanding three-games-in-three-days slate.
He opened the Invitational with 21 points and six assists in a narrow 73-72 loss to St. Thomas, hitting 7-of-9 at the line and controlling the offense for more than 35 minutes.
Denker was at his best on Saturday against Portland, erupting for 29 points, adding seven assists, and going a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. His efficiency (8-for-14 FG, 3-for-4 3FG) and poise powered UNC through the second leg of its back-to-back.
He closed the weekend with 13 points and four assists in UNC's 97-93 win over Cal State Fullerton, providing key buckets and orchestrating critical late possessions as the Bears held off multiple Titan runs.
Across the weekend, Denker posted 63 total points, led UNC in assists, and finished as one of the most efficient scorers in the field. His impact on both ends, coupled with his heavy workload and production in pressure situations, earned him both Big Sky and tournament honors.
This marks the first Big Sky Player of the Week award of Denker's career and the first weekly award for UNC in the 2025-26 season.
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).
Players Mentioned
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




















