A Historic Season
The University of Central Arkansas men’s basketball program capped a breakout year that will be remembered as one of the most successful in Division I history. The Bears captured the ASUN regular‑season championship, secured the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament and finished with a 22‑12 overall record, marking a dramatic turnaround from previous campaigns.
Central Arkansas dominated the ASUN schedule, stringing together eleven straight conference victories before dropping three road games in overtime. Those losses, while costly, underscored the team’s resilience and highlighted the narrow margins that defined the season. The run established new program benchmarks for total wins, conference victories, longest winning streak and highest final standing.
Coaching Staff Reinforcements
Head coach John Shulman used the momentum to announce a series of promotions and additions that will shape the program’s next chapter. Brock Widders, a key architect of the Bears’ growth, was elevated to Associate Head Coach/General Manager, recognizing his pivotal role in expanding the NIL portfolio and strengthening recruiting ties across Arkansas. Max Shulman, celebrated for orchestrating an offense that averaged more than 80 points per game, moved into the newly created Offensive Coordinator role. Ryan Montgomery, whose mentorship and availability have become a cornerstone of player development, now serves as Director of Player Development.
The staff also welcomed Creighton Lebo, whose pedigree includes stints at the University of North Carolina and the Boston Celtics, where he honed his skills in scouting, film analysis and player development. Lebo’s family background — grandfather and father both respected figures in basketball — adds a storied dimension to his arrival. Drake Henderson joins as an additional assistant coach, while Ivan Hadzic returns to the bench as the Bears’ strength and conditioning coach, bringing continuity to the team’s physical preparation.
These moves are not merely administrative; they are strategic investments aimed at preserving the Bears’ competitive edge as they set their sights on another conference title, this time in the newly formed United Athletic Conference.
Looking Forward
The front office expressed confidence that the reinforced coaching cadre will translate the program’s recent successes into sustained excellence. Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how the new roles will be leveraged on the court and in the community, especially as the university continues to invest in its athletic infrastructure.