28 May 2025 Bears add Australian Byrne to roster

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Bears have signed a tall, talented forward from Australia for their 2025-26 roster, according to head coach John Shulman.

Truman Byrne is a 6-foot-10, 220-pounder from Melbourne, Australia. He attended Berwick College where he averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Byrne was a three-time high school national champion while representing the state of Victoria. He was also a two-time medalist in golf and was an NBL1 selection at the age of 17.

“We have been very meticulous with this last forward spot, and I am excited to say that after sifting through hundreds of prospects that Truman Bryne is exactly what we were looking for,” said Shulman. “Within the first 10 minutes of meeting Truman, I knew he fit us perfectly when it came to his personality and character. It just so happens that he is a 6-10 solid-framed kid with a great deal of skill. 

“His ability to shoot the basketball, along with passing it at a high level, is a perfect fit for us in what we are going to do offensively. While Truman has all of the abilities that we are looking for, it is also very refreshing to know that he has really been coached. 

“Coming out of the AUSA program, we know that he has been taught how to play the game of basketball with high IQ and a competitive edge.”