Hunter named ASUN Player of the Year as UCA coach honored

Central Aransas continues to see the results of a strong season recognized Tuesday when the Atlantic Sun Conference released its postseason awards for men’s basketball.

The Bears collected two of the league’s most important honors after winning the ASUN regular-season championship and earning the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.

Guard Camren Hunter was named ASUN Player of the Year, while head coach John Shulman received ASUN Coach of the Year recognition.

The awards reflect the turnaround the program has made this season under Shulman and the leadership Hunter has shown on the court.

UCA also had another player recognized among the league’s top performers, showing the depth of the team that finished first in the conference standings.

Ty Robinson earned a place on the Second Team All-ASUN, giving the Bears multiple selections among the league’s best players.

The honors come after a regular season that saw the team exceed expectations and establish itself as one of the most consistent squads in the conference.

Hunter earns top league honor

Hunter’s performance throughout the season helped drive UCA to the top of the ASUN standings.

The veteran guard was also selected to the First Team All-ASUN, recognizing his production and leadership during conference play.

Head coach John Shulman said Hunter’s work ethic and approach have helped shape the direction of the program.

“Awfully proud of Cam,” Shulman said. “He came here to leave a legacy behind.”

Shulman said Hunter’s dedication was clear even after the team celebrated its regular-season championship.

“He left the celebration and went straight to the gym to get shots up,” Shulman said.

Hunter’s ability to score, lead teammates and remain focused on improvement played a major role in the Bears’ success this season.

Robinson adds second all-conference honor

Robinson also received recognition after a strong year that made him one of the team’s most reliable contributors.

The guard was named to the Second Team All-ASUN, marking another achievement for the Bears during their championship season.

Shulman said Robinson’s competitive nature makes him valuable to the program.

“Ty is a winner,” Shulman said. “He impacts winning in a big way.”

Robinson’s steady play helped provide balance to the lineup and supported the team’s offensive production during conference games.

His performance throughout the season gave UCA another player capable of stepping up in important moments.

The award highlighted how multiple players contributed to the Bears’ success.

Shulman recognized for program turnaround

Shulman’s selection as ASUN Coach of the Year reflects the progress made by the program in just his second season.

The Bears captured their first NCAA Division I regular-season conference championship while earning the top seed in the league tournament.

The turnaround has been significant compared with last season’s finish in the conference standings.

Before the season began, preseason predictions placed the team near the bottom of the league.

Instead, the Bears climbed to the top and finished the regular season as conference champions.

The improvement helped establish UCA as one of the most consistent teams in the ASUN this year.

Strong finish secures regular-season title

UCA finished 15-3 in conference play, with each of its three losses coming in overtime on the road.

No ASUN opponent defeated the Bears in regulation during league games.

The team also recorded an 11-game winning streak during the regular season.

In addition, UCA won 13 of its final 14 games, showing steady improvement late in the schedule.

Statistically, the Bears ranked among the top teams in the league during conference play.

They finished second in scoring at 83.6 points per game and second in scoring defense, allowing 74.6 points per contest.

UCA also led the conference in scoring margin, winning by an average of nine points per game.

Bears turn focus to ASUN tournament

With the regular season complete, the Bears now shift attention to the ASUN Championship tournament.

UCA will begin postseason play Friday at 11 a.m. against the winner of the opening-round matchup between Bellarmine and Jacksonville.

The tournament gives the Bears a chance to add another title and secure the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

For the program, the postseason awards serve as recognition of the work completed during the regular season.

But the Bears still have another goal ahead as they enter the ASUN tournament as the conference’s top seed.