DENVER – The University of Denver men's basketball program has signed former Western Carolina Guard CJ Hyland for the 2026-27 season, head coach Tim Bergstraser announced on Friday.
Hyland has played two seasons at Western Carolina, members of the Southern Conference (SoCon). In 47 career appearances and 24 starts, Hyland is averaging 18.3 minutes per appearance, scoring 5.3 points, distributing 1.6 assists and 1.7 rebounds per contest. Last season, Hyland shot 40.9% from the field, including 42.1% from deep and converted on 81.6% of his attempts from the free-throw line.
This marks Bergstraser's fourth offseason signing, joining Oskar Wickström Stümer (April 17), Trey Cady (April 27) and Baba Mbengue (May 7).
CJ Hyland – 6-2 – 175 – Guard – Atlanta, Ga. – Junior – Grayson H.S. – Western Carolina
2025-26 (SOPHOMORE AT WESTERN CAROLINA):
Appeared in 20 games, starting four, averaging 14.5 minutes per game…Averaged 6.2 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance…Recorded 11 steals. Shot 42.1% from beyond the arc (16-38)…Finished in double figures in four games in a five-game stretch, including 19 in 15 minutes on 7-of-10 shooting against Virginia-Lynchburg…Scored 14 in 19 minutes at Georgia.
2024-25 (FRESHMAN AT WESTERN CAROLINA):
Appeared in 27 games with 20 starts from December 4-February 19… Scored 128 points, averaging 4.7 points per game… Posted a season-high 12 points against Bellarmine (Dec. 4)… Added 10 points in a start against Samford (Jan. 4)… Connected on 15 threes including multiple threes in three separate contests… Third on the team in assists with 54 helpers, including a season-high six against Marquette (Nov. 30)… Recorded 20 steals and pulled down 55 rebounds… Played a season-high 35 minutes at ETSU (Jan. 22).
BEFORE WESTERN CAROLINA:
Was on a top-five ranked team in high school…Won the state title and two regional championships in his career…1,000 point scorer in his high school career.
PERSONAL:
Chose the University of Denver because the vibe he got on the visit was a great feeling and he feels at home in a great city…Wants to play professional basketball after he graduates…Also enjoys playing tennis…Intends to study management.
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