EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the signing of forward Cardell Bailey for the 2025-26 season.
We are excited today to announce the signing of Cardell Bailey,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “He comes from a good upbringing, phenomenal parents, and a terrific support system.
“Cardell’s a guy that can compete right away to help us out this season because his skill set translates well to the way we play,” continued Gouard. “He’s got a very unique skill set in terms of being able to do everything pretty well and comes into our program with a great understanding of how to make everyone better.”
Bailey is transferring to USI after spending 2024-25 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He appeared in 28 games and made 15 starts for the Hawks, averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
The 6’6″ guard scored a season-high 27 points versus Morgan State, while grabbing a season-best eight rebounds at the University of Illinois and dishing four assists versus North Carolina Central University.
Prior to playing for Maryland Eastern Shore, Bailey spent a season at Navarro College and Yavapai College. He averaged 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 2023-24 at Navarro, while posting 10.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game at Yavapai.
Bailey graduated from TLAP Sports Academy in May of 2021, where he had a team-best 26.7 points per game, in addition to 8.0 rebounds per game. He also led TLAP to a semi-finals appearance at prep school nationals and a prep south conference championship. He also earned Most Improved Player honors during his senior season.
Before playing at TLAP as a senior, Bailey spent three seasons at Fayette County High School.
The USI Screaming Eagles are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and will be NCAA Tournament eligible in 2025-26 following the completion of the accelerated transition from Division II. USI has reached the OVC Championship in two of the first three seasons of Division I action.
