Conway, Ark.- The University of Central Arkansas men's basketball program and head coach John Shulman have announced the addition of six student-athletes as part of the 2026-27 signing class. The group includes four high school standouts and two transfers, bringing a blend of in-state talent, size, experience, and proven production to the Bears roster. The 2026-27 signing class reflects Central Arkansas' continued focus on toughness, player development, and recruiting high-character student-athletes who align with the Bears' culture. Coach Shulman emphasized the importance of building the program with players who value the state and the university. "Getting guys that truly care about Central Arkansas is very important to us," said Shulman. "For these in-state players, it just means more. This group fits who we are and where we are going as a program."
The class features Arkansas natives Camarion Bead, Isaiah Templeton, RJ Young, and Tucker Anderson, along with Andrew Hoerner (Ohio) and Simm Marten Saadi (Estonia).
High School Signees
Camarion Bead | Guard | 6-2 | Little Rock, Ark. (Bryant HS)
Bead, a 3-star prospect and the No. 1 ranked point guard in Arkansas for the 2026 class, averaged 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game during his senior season. A key contributor to Bryant High School's 2024-25 and 2025-26 6A State Championship teams, Bead earned All-Conference, All-State, All-State Tournament honors, and ArBCA Top 5 in the state while also being named to the Pro16 Circuit All-Defensive Team. Most people know Camarion as CB, he is the younger brother of former UCA basketball great, Camren Hunter.
"CB is a guy that we have been in love with and recruiting since the day we got here," said Shulman. "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."
Isaiah Templeton | Guard/Forward | 6-4 | Morrilton, Ark. (Morrilton HS)
Templeton averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game while leading Morrilton to a 5A State Runner-Up finish. A two-time All-Conference selection, he earned All-State and All-State Tournament Team honors and carries a 3.7 GPA.
"Isaiah is a young man we identified early," said Shulman. "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."
RJ Young | Guard/Forward | 6-5 | Bryant, Ark. (Bryant HS)
A two-time state champion, Young averaged 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks and 2.8 assists per game while becoming Bryant's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He earned All-State recognition and was named one of the top players in Arkansas.
"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."
Andrew Hoerner | Forward/Center | 6-9 | Miamisburg, Ohio (Athletes in Action Prep)
Hoerner averaged 20 points and 9.8 rebounds in high school, finishing as a 1,000-point scorer and ranking third all-time in scoring at Miamisburg. A three-time District Player of the Year and All-State selection, Hoerner brings size and versatility to the Bears front court.
"Andrew brings a unique combination of size, skill, and versatility," said Shulman. "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."
Transfers
Tucker Anderson | Forward | 6-9 | Centerton, Ark. (Utah State / UCA)
Anderson returns to Central Arkansas after spending the 2024-25 season at Utah State, where he gained NCAA Tournament experience. During his previous stint with the Bears, he 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," said Shulman. "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."
Simm Marten Saadi | Forward/Center | 6-9 | Estonia (Wyoming)
Saadi joins the Bears after playing at Wyoming and previously starring at Sunrise Christian Academy where he averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists per game. An experienced international player, he has represented Estonia's national team and averaged 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds at the U20 European Championship.
"Simm is a guy we have been after for several years," said Shulman. "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."
