Andy Katz's Power 36: Who's in the NCAA tournament?

Cougar Basketball
1

36. Houston: This is based on the eye test. And the Cougars, seen in person in the Paradise Jam, have the goods to be a Power 36 team. Rob Gray is a scoring star, either on 3s or getting to the line. He can pass and makes smart basketball plays. The Cougars have a number of strong bodies and versatile bigs led by Devin Davis and Nora Zanna. And watch out for the shooting of Wes VanBeck. The squad can be a bit helter-skelter at times, but when they are right Houston will be a serious pest to put down.

Last week: lost to Drexel, 84-80 in the Paradise Jam in Lynchburg, Va.; Won at Liberty, 68-66, in the Paradise Jam; Beat Wake Forest, 78-73, in the Paradise Jam.

Up next: vs. Incarnate Word, Saturday.

2

Is Andy Katz on the payroll?

4 Likes
3

He definitely as a “soft side” for the Cougars.

4

I think his MO is…invest early, brag big later.

Props to you Andy!

5

I’m so excited to watch this team develop.

6

Andy moves us up 6 spots this week:

30. Houston
Who’s hot? Let’s still go with Rob Gray, even if the Cougars only had one game. Gray, who scored 37 in his opening game and 23 against Wake Forest, had a modest 16 in the one game for the Cougars. But he’s still efficient.

What stands out? Kelvin Sampson can go in a variety of ways if Gray is off or being defended well. Wes VanBeck can make 3s, Devin Davis is a post-up forward who has range, Armoni Brooks is a deep threat and Corey Davis Jr., is another shooter.

Word association: Depth. Add to this litany of names four players who will log impactful minutes. Nura Zanna, a glue guy, Fabian White, Jr., a versatile forward, Galen Robinson Jr., another option at guard, and Breaon Brady, a long, physical undersized forward.

Last week: Beat Incarnate Word, 97-58.

Up next: vs. New Orleans, Wednesday; vs. Arkansas, Saturday.

7

And 2 better than Arkansas. The Razorbacks can score some points. Looking forward to Saturday and glad the Coogs have this Wednesday game before Saturday while Arkansas next plays on Saturday. Sampson mentioned the early schedule with sporadic games and the next few weeks of Wed - Sat games will prepare them for AAC play.

1 Like
8

Up to #21

21. Houston (30): The Cougars are legit. Saw it during the Paradise Jam. Kelvin Sampson has all the necessary pieces for the Cougars to get to the NCAA tournament for the first time since he got back into college basketball. The win over Arkansas this past week was as much a statement as they have had this season. Devin Davis lit up Arkansas with 28 and 10. He has started to feel incredibly comfortable in how Sampson is using him. And he is the perfect compliment to Rob Gray on the perimeter. If the inside-out combo is clicking for the Cougars then this team will be in the mix for the AAC title.

1 Like