The Cincinnati Bearcats add another big man to the roster for the 2026-27 season. Deshaun Vaden, a 6-foot-11 center from Cleveland, Ohio, spent his sophomore season at Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. He played in 29 games this season, playing 15.6 minutes per game and averaging 5.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game last season.
Although Vaden may not be a super flashy prospect, he has a high ceiling in the years to come. Bearcats GM Corey Evans noted that Vaden started playing basketball late in high school. With a wingspan of 7-foot-4, he has "untapped" physical potential, while Evans also noted that they are optimistic for his "indefinite growth with the Bearcats."
Vaden, averaging 3.5 blocks per game across 29 games, playing only 15 minutes in those games, is very exciting. This past season, Vaden set a program record for blocks in a game with 8 against Case Western Reserve. The Bearcats needed a rim protector this upcoming season, and with Vaden having a close relationship with Assistant Coach Fuline, he is likely to stay on the roster for the rest of his eligibility. It is unknown if he will redshirt this upcoming season to acclimate to the Power 5 level after playing Division III in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
This past season, the Purple Raiders went 18-9, 14-4 in the OAC, finishing 2nd in the conference. They would lose in the conference championship to John Carroll but would receive an at-large bid to the DIII NCAA Tournament, losing in the round of 64 to Washington & Jefferson.
Welcome to Cincinnati, @DeshaunVaden!
— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) May 15, 2026
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