Christian Dean Returns to the Hardwood: Josh Huestis’s Brother Sharing Memories on the Court

Josh Huestis had a lot of helping hands this week at his 3rd annual basketball camp in Great Falls, but the one he is most excited about is his brother, Christian Dean. “I was really happy when I found out he was going to be able to come up here and help,” Huestis said. “I feel like he brings a lot to the table as far as energy, and I think a lot of the campers really like him, too.” “It’s nice coming back to Montana like as much as possible,” Dean said. “Especially getting to do this for him cause I haven’t been able to because of soccer. It’s like my first free summer, and this is a great way to spend it.” You see, Josh isn’t the only professional athlete in his family. Dean has spent the last six years playing professional soccer in Major League Soccer (MLS). He played college ball at University of California before being drafted to the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2014, where he was the 3rd overall pick in the MLS Super Draft. “I played basketball while I was here (at CMR) a bunch, and I thought, ‘This is fun, this is a good thing for me to do,’ but I think soccer was just always kinda it. I just loved it. It just took me all over the world and where I wanted to be.” Growing up, the brother’s shared passion for sports brought them closer together. “Ever since I could remember, ever since we were really little, we would always want to be around each other, and I always felt like he was my shadow,” Huestis said. He always wanted to do what I wanted to do, and I see so many similarities in us. It’s been so fun being able to see all that he’s done, and the fact that he can be here to help makes me really happy.” But, that doesn’t mean their isn’t competition in their family. “I think we push each other,” added Dean. “Like it was I think my sophomore year of college, and I kinda knew I was going to go professional. And I was like ‘Oh, first one to go professional wins.’ and I think that kinda drove him, too.” Whether it’s on it the pitch, or on the courts, being a professional athlete hasn’t changed their relationship. “Our relationship has kinda grow over the years,” Dean said. “We’ve gotten closer obviously, and I think it’s matured to a point where we both fully respect each other’s sports and respect what the other has accomplished.” “It’s been good to watch him grow. I think he’s learned a lot, and he’s matured,” Huestis said. “I think he’s in for a few shocking days. It’s a litlte bit different in the real world, but I think he’ll handle it just fine.” Christian has since retired from professional soccer, and has started working at a marketing firm in Chicago. He said he hopes to return to the Electric City next summer to help with the camp once again.