Bears
Defense runs out of gas as Bears fall Florida Gulf Coast, 77-71
Elias Cato scores 29 in losing effort against Eagles, including 21 in second half after staying close in first half
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Central Arkansas put together a solid first half of defense but eventually ran out of gas in a 77-71 loss to the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in ASUN action at Alico Arena on Saturday.
The Bears’ pressing defense and carried them throughout the first half and they trailed just 30-28 at the half. But the Eagles (8-9, 3-1), who had nine turnovers in the first 20 minutes, came alive in the second half, shooting 64 percent from the field and making six of their eight three-pointers.
UCA’s lone senior Elias Cato scored 21 of his career-high 29 points in the second half and made 5 of 10 from three-point range to keep the Bears within striking distance. The Bears, who continue to battle injuries, played just eight players. Sophomore D.J. Seixas added 11 points, two short of his career high, while freshman Layne Taylor had 10 points and four assists.
“I told the guys, I’m not a hypocrite,” said UCA coach John Shulman. “I asked for effort and they gave us great effort. I can’t be mad at them because we can’t make a shot, or for this or that. I can be upset about (lack of) effort, and our effort was great.
“We were effective and disruptive on defense in the first half but we just wore out in the second half. You can only do that so long when you’re playing eight guys. We came out in the second half and we were not the same team.”
The Bears and Eagles were tied in the final minute of the first half before FGCU got a dunk to make it a two-point game at the half. It stayed that way for the first four minutes of the second half until the Eagles put together a 9-0 scoring run to go up 12 points.
UCA would cut the margin to single digits several times down the stretch, including eight points after a Cato three-pointer with 22.8 seconds remaining. Seixas set the final with a rebound basket with 2.7 on the clock.
FGCU had four in double figures, led by Zavian McLean with 20 points and four three-pointers.
“They are trying really, really hard,” said Shulman. “And I wish I could do more for them, to be honest, because I think they need to be rewarded some how, some way. I don’t want them to get discouraged, but it’s hard not to. But as the head coach, I cannot be discouraged.
“But with the guys we are missing, we’re just a hodge podge of a basketball team right now, trying to hold it together. And it’s not easy. But they are still fighting it. And as long as they fight, we’re heading in the right direction.”
UCA will be on the road again next week, and back in Florida, to take on North Florida on Thursday and Jacksonville on Saturday.
Bears
Shulman brings a little Australia flavor to UCA’s lineup for inside game
Three-time gold medal captain of the U16-U18 Victorian national championship teams is second Australian to join Shulman’s lineup
CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas has added a second Australian student-athlete to the roster in guard Harrison Beauchamp, according to UCA coach John Shulman.
Beauchamp is a 6-foot-6 freshman guard from Victoria, Australia who most recently played at Marcelin College.
He is a current NBL1 player, was captain of the Australian U17 national team, was the 2024 FIBA World Cup group state Most Valuable Player (where he averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals) and was captain of the Australian National Team that won gold in Qatar in 2023.
Beauchamp is a three-time gold medal captain of the U16-U18 Victorian national championship teams and was the Victoria Junior Basketballer of the Year in 2022 and 2024.
“Harry is a guy that we had heard a lot about this spring,” said Shulman. “He has had a ton of success during his prep years, both in high school and with his national team. Once we got to lay eyes on him it was apparent that his skill set fit the things that we value.
“His ability to shoot the basketball, combined with his high IQ quickly stuck out to us. After speaking with his coaches and hearing about his competitive edge and love for the game we knew we wanted Harry in our program. We are really excited about what he brings to the table for the Bears.”
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.
Bears
UCA strengthens program with three key coaching staff additions
UCA basketball bolsters coaching ranks with experienced additions from top programs, focusing on player development and strength training
Central Arkansas basketball coach John Shulman has made some changes to his coaching staff with three additions.
Will Braden joins the Bears as an assistant coach after serving as director of player development at Fordham University, where he spent five impactful years in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Braden’s appointment brings valuable expertise in player development, having worked closely with NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen, whose client list includes NBA stars Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton.
“Will’s experience in the Atlantic 10 and his background in player development make him an invaluable addition to our program,” said Shulman. “His work with Drew Hanlen has given him insights into elite-level skill development that will benefit our players immensely.”
The Bears are also welcoming Jake Frankiewicz as their new graduate assistant.
Frankiewicz brings a winning pedigree from his time at the University of Toledo, where he served as a student manager for a program that captured three consecutive Mid-American Conference championships.
His behind-the-scenes expertise in program operations and high-energy approach align perfectly with UCA’s culture of excellence.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Ivan Hadzic, who takes over as strength and conditioning coach for both men’s and women’s basketball programs.
A native of Sabac, Serbia, Hadzic’s journey through American basketball includes playing experience at Canisius University and Carson-Newman, followed by two seasons as a graduate assistant coach in strength and conditioning at Jacksonville University.
The timing of these staff additions is crucial for UCA, as the program aims to improve upon its 9-24 record from the 2024-25 season.
Shulman, who brings over two decades of coaching experience to Conway, has been methodically building his staff since taking the helm of the program.
His previous success includes multiple NCAA tournament appearances while at Chattanooga and an impressive track record of developing talent.
Hadzic’s expertise is particularly noteworthy, as he holds certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCCA), and USA Weightlifting (USAW).
His comprehensive approach to strength training, combined with his understanding of basketball from a player’s perspective, offers a unique advantage to UCA’s athlete development program.
“These additions represent a significant step forward for our program,” Shulman said. “Each brings a specific skill set that addresses our needs and aligns with our vision for UCA basketball. Will’s player development background, Jake’s operational expertise, and Ivan’s strength and conditioning knowledge create a perfect combination for our staff.”
The Bears play in the ASUN, which has seen increasingly competitive play in recent years. The conference’s level of play has risen significantly, with multiple teams making deep runs in postseason tournaments.
Bears
Australian standout Truman Byrne ‘big’ addition for Shulman’s roster
Size, experience with AUSA Basketball adds size, skill, and championship experience to Shulman’s second roster at UCA
CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas has made a big addition to their men’s basketball roster for the 2025-26 season, but they had to go down under to do it.
Bears coach John Shulman signing 6-foot-10 Australian forward Truman Byrne over the weekend, adding some much-needed size to the roster.
Hailing from Melbourne and a product of Berwick College, Byrne brings a rare combination of size, skill, and championship experience.
Byrne’s basketball résumé is impressive.
As a three-time high school national champion representing the state of Victoria, he averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during his senior year.
His versatility extends beyond the basketball court. He’s also a two-time medalist in golf and was selected for Australia’s NBL league at just 17.
“We have been very meticulous with this last forward spot and I am excited to say that after sifting through hundreds of prospects that Truman Byrne is exactly what we were looking for,” Shulman said
“Within the first 10 minutes of meeting Truman I knew he fit us perfectly when it came to his personality and character. It just so happens that he is a 6-10 solid-framed kid with a great deal of skill.”
Shulman highlighted Byrne’s shooting and passing abilities as key assets for the Bears’ offensive system.
“It’s a perfect fit for us in what we are going to do offensively,” Shulman said. “While Truman has all of the abilities that we are looking for, it is also very refreshing to know that he has really been coached.
“Coming out of the AUSA program we know that he has been taught how to play the game of basketball with high IQ and a competitive edge.”
Byrne’s recruitment reflects a growing trend of NCAA programs looking internationally for talent, especially from Australia, which has produced NBA and college standouts such as Ben Simmons and Josh Giddey.
The Australian basketball development system is known for its emphasis on fundamentals and team play, traits that Shulman and his staff value highly.
-
Bears8 months agoUCA’s John Shulman, Players Previewing BYU
-
Football1 month agoWalker’s breakout at Bucs’ rookie mini-camp sparks Barrett comparisons
-
Football2 years agoPHOTOS: UCA’s spirit squads at SFA game Saturday
-
Football2 years agoBears’ Will McElvain picks up league honor
-
Football7 months agoPORTAL TRACKER: Latest news of UCA players leaving, coming in portal
-
Football2 years agoBears still have to come back late, but down SFA
-
Bears1 year agoNO PROBLEM: UCA cruises to easy win in final tuneup
-
Football7 months agoNathan Brown Show live from Walk-On’s on Bears staying positive