Miami native enters transfer portal with message: "I'd love to come play at home"

​Miami native Arturo Dean has entered the NCAA transfer portal after completing his junior season at Oklahoma State. He has expressed a strong interest in returning home to play. In an interview with CanesInSight, Dean stated, "I’d love to come play at home or with my brother in the perfect world, but we have to do what’s best for us." Dean attended South Miami Senior High before transferring to Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.

Dean, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound point guard, began his collegiate career at Florida International University (FIU), where he made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, earning Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors. In his sophomore season, he improved his averages to 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and led the nation with 104 steals, setting a school record (3.4 steals per game).

Transferring to Oklahoma State as a four-star for the 2024–25 season, Dean continued to showcase his defensive prowess. He started 21 of 34 games, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and a Big 12-leading 2.5 steals per game. He recorded seven steals in a Big 12 Tournament game against Cincinnati, setting a new school record. By the end of the year, Dean was the bonafide starting point guard for Oklahoma State.

Dean's desire to return to Miami aligns with the Hurricanes need for a tenacious on-ball defender and experienced point guard. His defensive intensity would be a significant upgrade for Miami's backcourt. However, his shooting percentages, 39.6% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range, need improvement.

With two years of eligibility remaining, Dean's return to his hometown could be mutually beneficial but Dean recognized that more will go into the decision than just the strong pull of home. Dean's brother, Mister Dean, is a freshman basketball player at the University of South Carolina Upstate in the Big South Conference.