2025-2026 Houston Cougars Basketball Season

I actually don’t remember, but thought it would be fun getting everyone talking about it. He did have boot on during his fishing trip about a week ago but timeline is about right to get out of it.

https://x.com/jbristolkhou/status/1945660423971192907?s=46

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Putting weight on it but still wearing

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I really think Chase and McFarland are going to surprise a lot of people this year…folks,we are loaded…and that be a big understatement…

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Just for Funsies

Who wins the starting 3 spot and their impact?

We’ll make two assumptions:

First, at least one candidate plays to their potential. If everyone struggles and we’re just plugging someone in, that’s a different scenario. Here, we’re taking an optimistic approach, focusing on best-case outcomes, not worst-case.

Second, Sampson won’t rotate 10–11 players for 15 minutes each. He’ll have a true “1A” at the three, who will log about 26–27 minutes.

The Contenders and Their Potential Impact

Harwell

The Front-Runner? Harwell is a strong contender, On paper, frontrunner, but missing some practice time. We’ve seen in past seasons how missed offseason practice can open the door for others (e.g., soph Shead starting over soph Mark). If Harwell gets healthy in time and into the rhythm, he brings an elite defensive presence and a well-rounded offensive game.

  • Impact: Think “better-shooting Taze Moore.” Harwell excels as a cutter, shooter, and mid-range threat. His presence would make the Cougars an elite defensive team. With Harwell stretching the floor, Uzan would likely become the leading scorer, As the only player that would really create off the dribble, especially against tougher defenses/good spacing.

Mercy Miller

Offensive Dynamo: If Miller earns the starting nod, it signals a significant offensive boost for the Cougars. He has the potential to be a prolific scorer and a nightmare for defenses.

  • Impact: I’d expect Miller to shoot at least 35-36% from three on moderate volume. His ability to create off the dribble and draw fouls could make him the team’s leading scorer. Miller’s aggressive, attack-first mentality would open up numerous opportunities for teammates (from doubles, foul trouble), leading to more open shots and a higher overall team scoring output.

Ramon Walker Jr.

Rebounding Machine: Walker’s path to the starting five likely means a major leap in his offensive game, complementing his already strong rebounding.

  • Impact: If Walker won starts, id expect him to contribute 7-9 points per night (or He wouldn’t have won the starting spot). His biggest impact would be on the boards, making the Cougars the top-tier rebounding team nationally. With Walker’s presence, Sharp might become the leading scorer, as defenses could focus more on Uzan with ramon less a threat, forcing Sharp to be the primary offensive aggressor.

Kordelius Jefferson

Defensive Anchor: Jefferson’s inclusion in the starting lineup would be a strategic move to bolster perimeter defense.

  • Impact: Jefferson’s primary role would be as a ball-stopper similar to shead, potentially shifting Uzan off defending opposing point guards. Offensively, he’d be similar to Walker—not a primary scoring threat, but capable of hitting shots. sharp might be relied upon more for scoring due to defensive focus on Uzan/primary ball handler.

McCarty

Harwell-Lite: McCarty offers a similar skill set to Harwell, a “3 and D” specialist, with some key differences.

  • Impact: McCarty is likely a better shooter than Harwell, though Harwell boasts superior athleticism and off-ball cutting. His impact would largely mirror Harwell’s: strong defense, good floor spacing, and Uzan likely leading the team in scoring due to the quick-trigger shooters surrounding him for spacing.

Kingston Flemings

Break-Glass-in-Case-of-Emergency: If Flemings starts at the “3,” it suggests that other options haven’t met expectations. This would also complicate guard rotations.

  • Impact: If Flemings starts, Uzan would likely become the leading scorer. Flemings’ exceptional passing and playmaking would create opportunities for Uzan, not just as a traditional point guard but also off-ball. However, his starting could raise questions about team spacing if his shooting percentages aren’t consistent.
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Wow. You sound higher on Mercy Miller than most. I hope you’re right. I think he’s UH X factor. He was a great shooter in HS. Shocked he struggle with his shot last season. Probably was more focused on defense as he showed improvement throughout the year. As a true freshman is very understandable.

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That’s good.
Last season, LJ was the leading scoring option because he was the only one always open. That was because he was the only one consistently moving without the ball. Looks like a Sharp is going to do more of that next season.

Chase McCarty: “He wants me to be best corner three-point shooter in the Big 12.”

Good stuff, around the 2 min mark KG asks Chase for a scouting report on the freshman.

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Whats qrong with harwell?

This team finishing 1st in the AAC lol.

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By 3 games clear minimum.

FIFY :wink:

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Sampson has talked about the original design for the Practice Facility was Mens & Womens gyms separated by a curtain. This video from 2011, may have been the design

Glad how things turned out. GVL Development Center & Fertita Center are fantastic facilities

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https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/cougars-chris-cenac-kelvin-sampson-playing-time-20773304.php

Dont need a sub for this.

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video at link
https://x.com/UHCougarMBK/status/1946258014572585429

JoJo working out with the team

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Randy McIlvoy 1 on w with E Sharp

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I’m gonna go ahead and say it: best Jake since Ballis.

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The Mantis would like a word.

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If his shot is getting compared to LJ and Sharp that will get him on the court a lot more than some folks expect.

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