Camren Hunter, the UCA men’s basketball team’s most accomplished player in the 2022 season, made a dramatic return to the university with a simple statement, “I’m back.”
Hunter posted a message to his social media proclaiming his return to Bear Country, barely a week after Butler University in Indiana announced his commitment to play for the team.
All is fair in basketball and the transfer portal though, as Hunter decided to come back to the team he has played for since 2021.
In the statement to his social media, Hunter thanked everyone who supported him as he explored his options in the portal.
“I want to start by thanking the coaches who have recruited me throughout this process. This entire process has been something I wasn’t accustomed to. I’ve had some eye-opening experiences.”
Hunter even thanked the Bulldogs, “A special thanks to Butler University, the unbelievable coaching staff, as well as fan base. The amount of interest you guys expressed was unreal. No doubt in my mind, you guys will build something special.”
Hunter then said, “However, my heart is at UCA. With that being said. I’m decommitting from Butler University to return back to where I started in the purple and white. UCA … I’m back!”
Hunter was the leading scorer for the Bears in his past two seasons and has earned conference accolades, such as ASUN Conference Freshman of the Year in 2021 and was an All-ASUN selection in the ‘22 season.
UCA coach Anthony Boone shared his excitement over Hunter’s return.
“I am very, very excited for Cam to return to UCA,” Boone said on ucasports.com, “Although we knew that his departure would hinder our plans to develop the program, he had our full support and would continue to be family to us no matter his decision. But the staff and I are ecstatic for his choice to continue to be here. It’s a great day to be a Bear.”
While UCA celebrates his return, the Bulldogs are now left with a spot to fill on their starting lineup.
Matthew Glenesek, a sports writer for the Indianapolis Star, said, “His addition would have been welcomed for a team needing backcourt scoring production and a point guard, two roles Hunter could have filled.”
Before his departure, Hunter averaged 16.9 points, 3.9 assists and five rebounds during his last season. Hunter’s prowess on the court made many universities interested in recruiting him. Hunter told 24/7sports.com back in March, “Butler, Arkansas, St. Louis, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, Tulane and Tulsa are the schools who are showing the most interest right now. Every other day there’s new schools that pop up.”
His decision to return to UCA was based on the coaching staff, he told ucasports.com.
“Overall, the whole portal process is just very overwhelming. While it was nice to see you were wanted elsewhere, ultimately this is the place that molded me. My relationships with Coach Widders and with Coach Boone have been unbelievable so far. It’s been very special between me and those two guys.”
Although his transfer portal endeavor was a shake-up for Bears fans, he’s focused on his home team now.
“I’m not worried about what other people are saying. I’m laser-focused on what Coach Boone is trying to do here, and what Coach Widders has instilled in me from the day he first recruited me.”
For updates on the Bear’s basketball team, follow them on Twitter @UCAMBB.