Houston Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Cougars

Key Questions and Prediction

1. Can Houston replace Rob Gray’s production?

Not one single player can replace Gray’s production by himself, but Houston should get by with multiple players increasing their production with more offensive opportunities. Corey Davis will likely get more shots, but he is primarily a shooter and not a guy who can beat his man one on one to get a bucket. Same with Armoni Brooks. However, having two knockdown shooters on the court will create a significant amount of spacing which will make Houston’s offense even more dangerous.

The guy who will likely take over as that go-to creator is DeJon Jarreau. Jarreau is not as good as Gray, but he is very talented in his own right. Playing him with other guards and putting multiple ball handlers on the floor simultaneously could be the answer for Houston.

2. Who emerges in the frontcourt?

Similar to Cincinnati, Houston will hope that a few role players emerge as quality starters with more minutes and experience. Replacing Devin Davis will be difficult, but Fabian White and Breaon Brady look like they are ready for more responsibility. Both players are entering their second season with the program and need to be consistent forces offensively and on the glass. Brady’s low post scoring will be a viable offensive option this season and White could conceivably crack the 10 ppg mark.

3. Can Houston take advantage of a wide open AAC?

Houston does not look as good as they were last season, but that might not matter. The other two teams in the top-tier of the AAC were Wichita State and Cincinnati and they both lost most of their talented veterans. Wichita State was loaded with seniors like Shaq Morris and Rashard Kelly, but also lost Landry Shamet early to the NBA and Austin Reaves to transfer. Their only returning player from their rotation is Markis McDuffie. Cincinnati also lost its three best players in Jacob Evans, Gary Clark, and Kyle Washington.

This makes the AAC wide open as it is filled with projected bubble teams. In fact, as many as 8 of the 12 teams have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament, but none of them look like sure things. Houston could easily win this conference and punch their ticket, even though they are taking a step back.

I have Houston finishing third in the AAC and 45th nationally which would make them one of the last four teams in the NCAA Tournament. While this signifies a step back from last season, the Cougar program is in great shape and consecutive tournament berths would be a major accomplishment.