Devin Dean is a senior psychology major and a key member of the Piedmont men’s basketball team. Being a native of Charleston, SC, Dean aspires to make it to the NBA. Since transferring from Bob Jones University, Dean came to Piedmont and immediately made waves in his first season as a lion.
“Basketball has been part of my life for so long that I couldn’t imagine my life without it,” said Dean.
From a young age Dean has always had a basketball in his hand. Growing up, Dean’s older sister played basketball and became an instant talent starting at a young age. Looking up to his sister, Dean got better and better at basketball to beat his sister.
“With my sister being overseas playing pro ball, I feel like I have to either match or be better than her,” said Dean.
Once in high school, Dean got an opportunity to play for one of the best Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball teams in Charleston. This team has produced players that have gone to top level Division I schools. Being on that team, Dean would excel in his basketball dreams and going into his senior season Dean was excited for his next steps.
“Going in I had huge aspirations for the season and was excited to see what was next for me,” said Dean.
Going into his senior year, Dean and his team entered a tournament where Dean had a serious and unexpected injury. While going up for a layup, Dean was hit out of the air and was at the bottom of a dog pile. Once getting up Dean’s wrist went limp, and he was subbed out for a checkup by the athletic trainer.
“When I saw my wrist, I thought it was just dislocated, so I told the AT to just pop it back in place. The AT looked at me and said, yeah that’s broken,” said Dean.
At this point Dean thought his dreams of playing collegiate basketball were over. After a few months of not being able to play, Dean made his comeback. Towards the end of his senior year, he received an offer from Bob Jones University and took the offer. While there, he started as soon as he stepped foot on campus, but sadly that came to an end, and he had to transfer his junior year. Dean took a year off and found Piedmont and has not looked back.
“I honestly think God put me in this position for a reason and I wouldn’t change the path I’ve taken to get to where I am,” said Dean.
