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Hoops Highlights: The Dean BrothersHoops Highlights: The Dean Brothers
Conor Kvatek/UCF Athletics

Hoops Highlights: The Dean Brothers

A childhood dream is coming to fruition as Arturo and Mister Dean have always dreamed of playing on the same team since they were children.

That dream became a reality over the summer when Arturo convinced his younger brother, Mister, to come to UCF.

"We didn't know what level we'd be able to play together at, but it was always something we talked about," Arturo said. "Once we got to college and saw that the chances of us playing together were getting higher, we were like, 'Okay, this is probably our only chance to actually make it work.' That's really how it all came about."

Growing up in Miami, all the Deans knew was basketball.

"It was kind of a domino effect," Arturo said. "Our older brother started playing basketball first, and we'd go watch his games. He inspired me, and then I inspired Mister. That's how it all happened." 

 

While Arturo may have helped bring his younger brother to Orlando, Mister said the decision was about much more than family ties.

"He definitely played a big part in it," Mister said. "He told me about the program and the opportunity, and being able to play with my brother made the decision even better."

 

Although the brothers attended different high schools and never officially played on the same team growing up because of their age difference, basketball was always a shared part of their lives. They trained together, competed against one another and played within the same AAU program, just on different age-level teams.

That familiarity has made the transition a smooth one as both players prepare for their first season together in the Black and Gold.

The bond between the brothers extends beyond basketball. Growing up, Mister viewed Arturo as both a role model and a source of motivation.

"We have a great relationship," Mister said. "Growing up, I definitely looked up to him, and seeing him play motivated me to keep working on my own game."

Now, after years of conversations about one day sharing a court, the brothers are finally getting the opportunity they envisioned as kids.

At first, Arturo struggled to fully believe it was happening.

"Even when he said he was coming to UCF, I wasn't fully convinced until he signed," Arturo said. "Then when he stepped foot on campus, it became real. We dreamed about this growing up, and now we've turned it into reality. We're definitely blessed."

For Mister, the opportunity is one he doesn't take for granted.

"I'm super excited," he said. "Not everybody gets the chance to play with their brother, so I'm grateful for the opportunity."

The anticipation has only continued to build as the season approaches. While neither brother knows exactly what emotions will come when they finally take the floor together for an official game, both know the moment will be special.

"It means a lot to me," Mister said. "We've always talked about playing together, so being able to finally make it happen is a blessing. I'm excited to share the court with him and make memories together."

For the Dean brothers, what began as a childhood conversation in Miami is now becoming reality in Orlando, where they will have the chance to write the next chapter of their basketball journey side by side.

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UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.