Phenom Hoops is just like everyone else… they are ready to see talent back on the court this season. We have discussed a ton around the high school level, but we are as equally as excited about the upcoming college basketball season. Which is why we are looking and previewing teams for this upcoming season. Let’s dive into what we are looking at for each team.
Houston Cougars (2019-20 Record: 23-8)
Stats (2019-2020)
Scoring: 72.3ppg
Scoring defense: 62.1ppg
Rebounding margin: +9.5
Turnover margin: +0.2
Assists: 12.9apg
Shooting percentage: 42.2%
3-point percentage: 33.7%
Free-Throw percentage: 73.0%
Top Player:
Caleb Mills is a player that many may know from around the region and he certainly is looking like a prime candidate to be one of the top players in the AAC. Mills led the team in scoring last year, the first freshman to lead Houston in scoring since ’79-80. He is coming off a season in which he averaged 13.2 points and he should only continue to make strides with his game in his second season and being one of the go-to scorers.
Backcourt depth:
Houston loves to play with its guards and they should have one of the top backcourts in the country. Starting with Mills, senior DeJon Jarreau (9.0ppg), Marcus Sasser (8.1ppg), and Quentin Grimes (12.1ppg) will add plenty of firepower and depth for the Cougars, along with experience. They also added 6’2 Cameron Tyson from Idaho, who should certainly fit right in after sitting a year; he brings a scorer from the perimeter. You also have to look at the incoming freshmen of Jamal Shead, who can help at as a point guard, and Tramon Mark, a 6’5 prospect that was Texas All-State.
Fabian White out for the season
The 6’8 forward is going to be a tough one to lose, as he was lost for the season with a torn ACL. He was a tremendous presence inside for the Cougars, who averaged 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He holds a ton of experience with this program, securing 43 conference victories so far in his career.
Who steps up inside:
With White out, who will step up inside' Forward Justin Gorham, a 6’7 senior, could help with his big frame. Senior Brison Gresham is a 6’8, defensive-minded shot blocker that can also help on the boards. Then you look at 6’8 Reggie Chaney, a transfer from Arkansas who was granted a waiver by the NCAA to be immediately eligible. He averaged 4.1 points, 3.3 rebounds while shooting 67 percent last season for the Razorbacks. Also have to look at two freshmen in J’Wan Roberts (6’7) and Kiyron Powell (6’8).