UCA Basketball lands six-player signing class for 2026-27

CONWAY, Ark. — Coach John Shulman’s vision for Central Arkansas basketball’s future got a lot clearer this week.

The Bears announced a six-player signing class for the 2026-27 season that includes four Arkansas prep standouts, one transfer returning home and an experienced international big man.

It’s a group built around toughness, character and the kind of in-state pride that Shulman’s program has leaned into since his arrival in Conway.

“Getting guys that truly care about Central Arkansas is very important to us,” Shulman said. “For these in-state players, it just means more. This group fits who we are and where we are going as a program.”

Four of the six newcomers call Arkansas home. The other two, a forward from Ohio and a big man from Estonia by way of Wyoming, round out a class designed to add size, versatility and proven production.

Point guard who runs in family

Camarion Bead arrives from Bryant High School as the top-ranked point guard in Arkansas for the 2026 class, a 3-star prospect who put up 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.7 steals and 1 block per game in his senior season.

He was part of back-to-back 6A State Championship teams at Bryant and picked up All-Conference, All-State, All-State Tournament and ArBCA Top 5 honors, along with a spot on the Pro16 Circuit All-Defensive Team.

Known to most as “CB,” Bead is also the younger brother of current UCA guard Camren Hunter, one of the program’s most recognized players.

“CB is a guy that we have been in love with and recruiting since the day we got here,” Shulman said. “There are very few high school seniors that are as tough and competitive as he is.

“He has that bulldog mentality mixed with a high basketball IQ. We are extremely excited to have another high-level, in-state player.”

Winning habit from Bryant

RJ Young also comes to the Bears from Bryant High School, where he became the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

The 6-5 guard/forward averaged 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, earning All-State recognition. Like Bead, Young has two state championship rings from his time at Bryant.

“RJ is just a flat-out winner,” said Shulman. “He makes winning play after winning play. His basketball IQ and feel for the game are perfect for what we do.

“Winning back-to-back state championships while becoming Bryant’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder is a big deal.”

Morrilton’s versatile standout

Isaiah Templeton, a 6-4 guard/forward from Morrilton, led his team to a 5A State Runner-Up finish while averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds per game.

He’s a two-time All-Conference selection with All-State and All-State Tournament Team honors and he carries a 3.7 GPA.

“Isaiah is a young man we identified early,” Shulman said. “He has great size, moves well and has a strong feel for the game. He is competitive and lives life the right way each and everyday. We feel very confident he will have a great career here.”

From Ohio, a big man with big numbers

Andrew Hoerner, a 6-9 forward/center from Miamisburg, Ohio, brings serious size and a proven scoring track record to UCA’s front court.

He averaged 20 points and 9.8 rebounds at Athletes in Action Prep, finished as a 1,000-point scorer and ranks third all-time in scoring at Miamisburg.

A three-time District Player of the Year and All-State selection, Hoerner gives the Bears a versatile big who can play both the four and five spots.

“Andrew brings a unique combination of size, skill and versatility,” Shulman said. “He has the ability to play both the four and five spots and should make an immediate impact. We’re excited about what he brings on and off the court.”

Tucker Anderson coming home

Perhaps the most anticipated addition is Tucker Anderson, a 6-9 forward who’s coming back to Conway after spending the 2024-25 season at Utah State, where he gained NCAA Tournament experience.

During his first run with the Bears anderson averaged 15 points and 4 rebounds per game and was named ASUN Freshman of the Year.

“Excited to have him back, to say the least,” Shulman said. “Tucker fits us perfectly, a great teammate and a high-level player. His shooting ability with his size will take our offense to the next level. He is coming home with experience and a winning attitude.”

International presence up front

Rounding out the class is Simm Marten Saadi, a 6-9 forward/center from Estonia who transfers from Wyoming.

Saadi played prep ball at Sunrise Christian Academy and has represented Estonia’s national team at the international level, averaging 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds at the U20 European Championship.

At the prep level, he averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

“Simm is a guy we have been after for several years,” Shulman said. “He is tough, competitive and versatile — able to shoot, score inside and make reads in our offense.

“His experience will serve him well and we’re excited about the impact he will make. This community is going to love him.”

Together, the six signees reflect what Shulman’s staff has been building in Conway, a program that’s drawing top in-state talent while also attracting players with real collegiate and international experience.

For the Bears, the 2026-27 season can’t come soon enough.