GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado Men's Basketball program has added another key piece to its 2025-26 roster with the signing of 6'4" guard/wing Kaden Ericksen, Head Coach Steve Smiley announced Wednesday. A native of Syracuse, Utah, Ericksen joins the Bears after a standout junior college career at Eastern Arizona College.

Ericksen played a pivotal role in one of the most successful two-year stretches in EAC history, helping lead the program to a combined 55-11 record, back-to-back Region 1 championships, and a No. 17 national ranking in the final NJCAA poll of the 2024-25 season. As a sophomore, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 40.3% from three-point range. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor and his versatility on the wing caught the attention of several Division I programs.

Before his time at EAC, Ericksen starred at Syracuse High School where he averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game as a senior. He earned 6A First Team All-State and First Team All-Region honors and was widely regarded as one of the top high school prospects in Utah during his class.

Ericksen chose UNC over an offer from Northern Arizona University, as well as additional offers from Wagner, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and eight NCAA Division II schools.

Head Coach Steve Smiley expressed his enthusiasm for Ericksen's addition:

"We're really excited to get the commitment of Kaden Ericksen, as we get closer to finalizing our 25-26 roster! Kaden is exactly the type of player that we were searching for from a basketball perspective, but his intangibles, character, and leadership qualities are additional strengths that will help our team tremendously as we move forward. On the court, we were searching for a bigger guard/wing that has the ability to stretch the floor off the ball with great shooting ability, and additionally, somebody that is dynamic with the ball in his hand, being able to create for himself and others. Kaden checks all of those boxes, and he's already been a huge piece of a winning program at Eastern Arizona, helping his team go 29-4 this year and stay nationally ranked all year long in the highest level of NJCAA junior college basketball. Kaden is tough, extremely competitive, and excited for the opportunity to be a big piece of a winning team!"

Eastern Arizona College Head Coach Cameron Turner also spoke highly of Ericksen:

"I am very excited for Kaden and Northern Colorado. He is a loyal person and a grinder in the gym—he will do whatever the team needs to win and exemplifies a winner. Kaden is a JUCO gem. Coach Smiley and staff know the value and experience junior college players can bring to a program."

Mike Russell, Ericksen's high school coach at Syracuse High School, echoed the praise:

"Kaden is every coach's dream. He's a self-starter and it shows in every aspect of his life. He's an amazing young man and he will be a great addition to the program. I couldn't be happier for him."

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