University of Northern Colorado Athletics
UNC Lands Freshman Standout Vincent Delano from University of Portland
4/21/2025 10:12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado Men's Basketball program has officially announced the signing of 6'2" guard Vincent Delano, Head Coach Steve Smiley confirmed Sunday. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Delano brings a dynamic skill set and a proven resume to the Bears' evolving roster.
Delano joins UNC after spending the past two seasons at the University of Portland, where he played a key role as a redshirt freshman. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He also led the Pilots in steals (30) while averaging 23 minutes and earning 16 starts. One of his standout performances came in a win against Denver, where he tallied 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Before his collegiate career, Delano starred at AZ Compass Prep—one of the nation's premier basketball programs—under current San Jose State assistant coach Ed Gipson. He helped lead Compass to a No. 2 national ranking and an appearance in the GEICO Nationals title game. As a senior, he was named a McDonald's All-American nominee. In his junior season at Phoenix Prep, Delano set a Grind Session circuit record with 10 three-pointers in a single game and led his team to a Grind Session Final Four appearance.
Head Coach Steve Smiley expressed his excitement for Delano's signing:
"Getting the commitment from Vince Delano to join the Bears is a critical step for us to build a championship roster for the 2025-26 season, and we couldn't be more excited! Vince has already shown his ability coming off of a very productive first year in the prestigious West Coast Conference at the University of Portland, and his skill set on both sides of the ball are exactly what we were in search of during this recruiting process. Vince is a dynamic, explosive guard that thrives both with the ball in his hand and playing in actions off the ball, and defensively he is a guard that wants to defend the entire 94 feet and takes pride in shutting down the opposition. Vince will have undoubtedly have an immediate impact in our program. Most importantly, Vince is a great person that will be a great representation of Bears Basketball both on campus and in our Greeley and northern Colorado community!"
Tyler Olson, Director of Athletics at AZ Compass Prep had this to add:
"Vince Delano is the embodiment of what we strive for at AZ Compass Prep—a high-character individual, elite student, and dedicated member to building our community. The entire city of Phoenix supports and loves Vince. On the court, his leadership and unselfish play have been instrumental in our success, as he was a big part of what we have established at AZ Compass. Vince consistently represents our program with integrity and excellence as years progress. His commitment to growth and team-first mentality will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset at the University of Northern Colorado."
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).
Delano joins UNC after spending the past two seasons at the University of Portland, where he played a key role as a redshirt freshman. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He also led the Pilots in steals (30) while averaging 23 minutes and earning 16 starts. One of his standout performances came in a win against Denver, where he tallied 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Before his collegiate career, Delano starred at AZ Compass Prep—one of the nation's premier basketball programs—under current San Jose State assistant coach Ed Gipson. He helped lead Compass to a No. 2 national ranking and an appearance in the GEICO Nationals title game. As a senior, he was named a McDonald's All-American nominee. In his junior season at Phoenix Prep, Delano set a Grind Session circuit record with 10 three-pointers in a single game and led his team to a Grind Session Final Four appearance.
Head Coach Steve Smiley expressed his excitement for Delano's signing:
"Getting the commitment from Vince Delano to join the Bears is a critical step for us to build a championship roster for the 2025-26 season, and we couldn't be more excited! Vince has already shown his ability coming off of a very productive first year in the prestigious West Coast Conference at the University of Portland, and his skill set on both sides of the ball are exactly what we were in search of during this recruiting process. Vince is a dynamic, explosive guard that thrives both with the ball in his hand and playing in actions off the ball, and defensively he is a guard that wants to defend the entire 94 feet and takes pride in shutting down the opposition. Vince will have undoubtedly have an immediate impact in our program. Most importantly, Vince is a great person that will be a great representation of Bears Basketball both on campus and in our Greeley and northern Colorado community!"
Tyler Olson, Director of Athletics at AZ Compass Prep had this to add:
"Vince Delano is the embodiment of what we strive for at AZ Compass Prep—a high-character individual, elite student, and dedicated member to building our community. The entire city of Phoenix supports and loves Vince. On the court, his leadership and unselfish play have been instrumental in our success, as he was a big part of what we have established at AZ Compass. Vince consistently represents our program with integrity and excellence as years progress. His commitment to growth and team-first mentality will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset at the University of Northern Colorado."
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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