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NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 2 finalists for transfer guard Quentin Grimes

By Tristan Freeman

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 02: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks dunks during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Allen Fieldhouse on January 02, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 02: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks dunks during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Allen Fieldhouse on January 02, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 28: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars coaches during a practice session ahead of the NCAA Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at the Sprint Center on March 28, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 28: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars coaches during a practice session ahead of the NCAA Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at the Sprint Center on March 28, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Houston Cougars

After a 33-win season and a trip to the Sweet 16, Houston is looking to stake their claim on top of the American Athletic Conference. But it’ll be tough to do, since they’re replacing their top three scorers. Corey Davis Jr. and starting point guard Galen Robinson graduated, along with Armoni Brooks going pro early.

There is still some talent remaining, including Dejon Jarreau and Nate Hinton, two potential All-Conference performers. There are also a trio of three-star recruits coming in, including a pair of guards. But currently, there isn’t any other proven ball handlers on the roster other than Jarreau. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has utilized the transfer market in recent years to bring in talent into Houston and hopes to do the same with Grimes.

What makes the Cougars an appealing option for Grimes is how Coach Sampson works with guards. He had one of the smallest rosters overall in the NCAA Tournament but it still didn’t matter, competing well on the boards. There’s also a style of positionless basketball that could allow Grimes to succeed off the ball if need be. If able to play next season, he would slide in as the starting point guard alongside Jarreau and could be a better backcourt fit compared to him and Dotson.

With UConn heading over to the Big East and Cincinnati losing Mick Cronin to UCLA, the AAC is more wide open than ever. With Grimes either for next year or the one after, the Cougars would be in prime position to become the new leader of the conference. Grimes could become a star in the league if he chooses Houston but would have to be willing to get less exposure compared to being in the Big 12 for a juggernaut program.