#24 Nevaeh Dean
Year: Junior
Position: Forward/Center
Height: 6-2
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Previous School: Cincinnati
Major: Criminology, Law & Society
 
Nevaeh Dean is a junior transfer out of Cincinnati. She played in 18 games last season, making five starts. Nevaeh, who signed with Virginia Tech out of high school, was ranked the 23rd-best forward in the 2020 class by ESPN. She led Lakota West High School to a 93-13 record, was a three-time all-league selection and was a McDonald's All-American Game nominee. Get to know more about Nevaeh as she recently sat down for a Q&A ahead of the season opener on Nov. 8.
 

How did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in the third grade because my mom was very into having the five of us in sports. I played basketball, soccer and all that growing up. When I got into eighth grade, it was time to decide which one I wanted to do between basketball and softball, and my dad told me he preferred that I play basketball so I obeyed and just rode it out from there.
 
When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
I knew I wanted to keep going when I made my decision to focus on basketball. There is just something about it, and I understand basketball a lot more than any other sport.
 
What has been your most memorable basketball moment so far?
A good memory is when my team made it to the regional finals in high school. Basically, all my memories come from the friends I've made within every different team and every new year.
 
How important has your family been in getting you to this point in your career?
Really important. My parents are my second biggest critics other than myself. They push me a lot and know my limits but always try to get me to surpass them. They are encouraging, but in their own way so it works.
 
Did your parents play sports? How about your siblings?
My mom ran track and my stepdad played baseball. They both have played basketball but that wasn't really their main sport. Two of my siblings play soccer and one plays baseball and football. My older brother also played baseball.
 
Is there any professional player you look up to or try to model your game after?
No, I just want to play for me. I don't necessarily want to be like anybody else.
 
Do you have any interesting hobbies outside of basketball?
My hobby would be watching crime shows and scary movies by myself. Anything to get my adrenaline going.
 
Why UCI?
Being from Ohio, when you think of California, you think of L.A. So, I wanted to break that stigma and also come to California because I don't know when I'll be able to come back after school. Also, talking to Coach T and the rest of the staff, it was just really nice getting to know them.

How did you find out about UC Irvine?
When I entered the transfer portal, the coaches contacted me. After that I did some research and knew (UCI) is where I wanted to go.
 
What do you want to do after your basketball career is over?
I originally thought I wanted to be a forensic scientist or go into the FBI, but with every class I take, it sparks a new interest. So as of right now, I want to go into prisons and change them so the people who come out are better reformed.