University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Northern Colorado Men’s Basketball Announces Complete 2025-26 Signing Class
5/30/2025 12:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. —Colorado Men's Basketball Head Coach Steve Smiley has officially unveiled the complete signing class for the 2025-26 season, a balanced, talented, and experienced group poised to help the Bears contend in the Big Sky Conference.
"We're really excited about this incoming class of eight new players, adding on to our eight returners. I think the goal in building every recruiting class starts with understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the returning class and then piecing together the best overall team possible, and I do believe we've accomplished that," said Smiley, "Our goal was to try and stay old, which we've accomplished, but also add in some very talented younger players that will compete from day one. This should be a special group of Bears!"
Ibu Yamazaki | 6'7" Wing | Matsudo, Japan | Radford University | Highlights
Yamazaki adds international flair and proven production from the Big South, where he started 11 games last season and brought consistent shooting and toughness. A standout for Japan's U19 national team, he offers leadership and global experience.
"Ibu is a perfect fit," said Smiley. "He brings a winner's mindset, shooting ability, and professionalism."
Chancellor White | 6'6" Wing | Richmond, Texas | Louisiana-Lafayette | Highlights
A proven Division I contributor, White brings two years of eligibility and size to the wing after competing in 45 games in his career with the Ragin' Cajuns. The former Foster High School star is the school's all-time leading scorer and had multiple double-digit outings in the Sun Belt Conference. His blend of athleticism, experience, and shot-making ability fills a critical role.
"Chancellor's ready for a bigger role, and we believe he'll thrive here," said Smiley. "He's played behind veterans and now has a huge opportunity ahead of him."
Vincent Delano | 6'2" Guard | Phoenix, Ariz. | University of Portland | Highlights
Delano brings high-level DI experience and defensive intensity after averaging over five points and leading Portland in steals. A former McDonald's All-American nominee at AZ Compass Prep, he's known for his explosive scoring and relentless on-ball defense.
"Vince is a dynamic guard with tremendous upside," said Smiley. "He's a program-changer with the way he defends and leads."
Kaden Ericksen | 6'4" Guard/Wing | Syracuse, Utah | Eastern Arizona | Highlights
One of junior college basketball's hidden gems, Ericksen arrives after leading Eastern Arizona to a 55-11 record and back-to-back Region 1 titles. A sharpshooter (40.3% from deep) and strong two-way player, Ericksen adds perimeter scoring and toughness.
"Kaden is a leader, a competitor, and a proven winner," said Smiley. "His combination of skill, IQ, and intangibles is exactly what we wanted."
Ring Nyeri | 6'8" Wing | Peoria, Ariz. | UMKC | Highlights
Nyeri joins the Bears following a promising freshman campaign at Missouri-Kansas City, where he shot 46% from the field and made 21 blocks. A former Arizona 6A Offensive and Regional Defensive Player of the Year, he offers positional versatility, elite shot-blocking, and three-level scoring.
"Ring has all the tools we were looking for," said Smiley. "His skill set and energy are going to help us immediately."
Tanner Braketa | 6'1" Guard | Arvada, Colo. | Ralston Valley High School | Highlights
The top in-state recruit in UNC's class, Braketa is a prolific scorer and elite shooter who averaged 19.3 points and shot 42% from deep entering his senior year. A two-time Jeffco League MVP, he's known for his high IQ, leadership, and competitive fire.
"Tanner represents everything we want in a Bear," said Smiley. "He's tough, skilled, and wired to win. Keeping top talent in Colorado is always a priority."
Steven Ramirez | 6-4 | Guard/Wing | Fort Worth, Texas | Keller HS | Highlights
A top-50 prospect in Texas (247Sports), Ramirez brings size, athleticism, and elite shooting ability to the Bears' backcourt. The Keller High School standout averaged 19.7 points and shot 44% from three as a junior, while setting school records for single-season threes (87) and single-game field goal percentage (12-of-13). He's a two-time District Player of the Year, offensive as a junior, defensive as a sophomore, and a TABC All-Region and Academic All-American selection.
"Steven checks every box we look for. He can play multiple positions, shoot it at a high level, and has a detailed, winning approach on and off the floor," said Smiley.
Will Dixion | 6'2" Guard | Tucson, Ariz. | Simpson College
The Bears rounded out their class with the addition of Dixion, a physical guard who returns to action after a medical redshirt year at Simpson College. A former standout at Canyon Del Oro High School, Dixion averaged 17.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and earned back-to-back First Team All-Region honors. Known for his defensive tenacity and versatility, Dixion was a standout on the West Coast grassroots circuit with Team Zona.
"We think we've found the right piece of the puzzle in Will," said Smiley. "He's a big, tough guard with the ability to play multiple positions and impact both ends of the floor."
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).
"We're really excited about this incoming class of eight new players, adding on to our eight returners. I think the goal in building every recruiting class starts with understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the returning class and then piecing together the best overall team possible, and I do believe we've accomplished that," said Smiley, "Our goal was to try and stay old, which we've accomplished, but also add in some very talented younger players that will compete from day one. This should be a special group of Bears!"
Ibu Yamazaki | 6'7" Wing | Matsudo, Japan | Radford University | Highlights
Yamazaki adds international flair and proven production from the Big South, where he started 11 games last season and brought consistent shooting and toughness. A standout for Japan's U19 national team, he offers leadership and global experience.
"Ibu is a perfect fit," said Smiley. "He brings a winner's mindset, shooting ability, and professionalism."
Chancellor White | 6'6" Wing | Richmond, Texas | Louisiana-Lafayette | Highlights
A proven Division I contributor, White brings two years of eligibility and size to the wing after competing in 45 games in his career with the Ragin' Cajuns. The former Foster High School star is the school's all-time leading scorer and had multiple double-digit outings in the Sun Belt Conference. His blend of athleticism, experience, and shot-making ability fills a critical role.
"Chancellor's ready for a bigger role, and we believe he'll thrive here," said Smiley. "He's played behind veterans and now has a huge opportunity ahead of him."
Vincent Delano | 6'2" Guard | Phoenix, Ariz. | University of Portland | Highlights
Delano brings high-level DI experience and defensive intensity after averaging over five points and leading Portland in steals. A former McDonald's All-American nominee at AZ Compass Prep, he's known for his explosive scoring and relentless on-ball defense.
"Vince is a dynamic guard with tremendous upside," said Smiley. "He's a program-changer with the way he defends and leads."
Kaden Ericksen | 6'4" Guard/Wing | Syracuse, Utah | Eastern Arizona | Highlights
One of junior college basketball's hidden gems, Ericksen arrives after leading Eastern Arizona to a 55-11 record and back-to-back Region 1 titles. A sharpshooter (40.3% from deep) and strong two-way player, Ericksen adds perimeter scoring and toughness.
"Kaden is a leader, a competitor, and a proven winner," said Smiley. "His combination of skill, IQ, and intangibles is exactly what we wanted."
Ring Nyeri | 6'8" Wing | Peoria, Ariz. | UMKC | Highlights
Nyeri joins the Bears following a promising freshman campaign at Missouri-Kansas City, where he shot 46% from the field and made 21 blocks. A former Arizona 6A Offensive and Regional Defensive Player of the Year, he offers positional versatility, elite shot-blocking, and three-level scoring.
"Ring has all the tools we were looking for," said Smiley. "His skill set and energy are going to help us immediately."
Tanner Braketa | 6'1" Guard | Arvada, Colo. | Ralston Valley High School | Highlights
The top in-state recruit in UNC's class, Braketa is a prolific scorer and elite shooter who averaged 19.3 points and shot 42% from deep entering his senior year. A two-time Jeffco League MVP, he's known for his high IQ, leadership, and competitive fire.
"Tanner represents everything we want in a Bear," said Smiley. "He's tough, skilled, and wired to win. Keeping top talent in Colorado is always a priority."
Steven Ramirez | 6-4 | Guard/Wing | Fort Worth, Texas | Keller HS | Highlights
A top-50 prospect in Texas (247Sports), Ramirez brings size, athleticism, and elite shooting ability to the Bears' backcourt. The Keller High School standout averaged 19.7 points and shot 44% from three as a junior, while setting school records for single-season threes (87) and single-game field goal percentage (12-of-13). He's a two-time District Player of the Year, offensive as a junior, defensive as a sophomore, and a TABC All-Region and Academic All-American selection.
"Steven checks every box we look for. He can play multiple positions, shoot it at a high level, and has a detailed, winning approach on and off the floor," said Smiley.
Will Dixion | 6'2" Guard | Tucson, Ariz. | Simpson College
The Bears rounded out their class with the addition of Dixion, a physical guard who returns to action after a medical redshirt year at Simpson College. A former standout at Canyon Del Oro High School, Dixion averaged 17.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and earned back-to-back First Team All-Region honors. Known for his defensive tenacity and versatility, Dixion was a standout on the West Coast grassroots circuit with Team Zona.
"We think we've found the right piece of the puzzle in Will," said Smiley. "He's a big, tough guard with the ability to play multiple positions and impact both ends of the floor."
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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