Dean is a 6'5" 260 lb. center from St. Gregory University. Previously he had attended Choctaw High School, Okla.

During high school he earned all-state honorable mention. Dean started one season at St. Gregory. There he averaged 16.1 ppg. and 4.3 rebounds. He shot 59 percent from the field.

Head Coach Clair Oleen said he is pleased to have Dean choose Bethany. "Chris is a very crafty and strong player in the paint who joins us after leading St. Gregory in scoring last season. He passes well and can finish well at the rim. We expect him to be a real nice addition to Bethany basketball," Oleen said.

Dean is the son of Patricia Smith. At Bethany he plans to study criminal justice.