Houston Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Cougars against BYU Cougars

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 24: Nate Hinton #11 of the Houston Cougars celebrates a three pointer shot by teammate Corey Davis Jr. #5 (not pictured) to take the lead during the first half of the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 23: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts to a play against the Auburn Tigers during their game in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Coming out party for Quentin Grimes

It was a huge boost for the team when it was announced that sophomore guard Quentin Grimes was eligible for this season. The transfer struggled in his lone season at Kansas and never felt comfortable in his role alongside fellow five-star guard Devon Dotson. The hope is that he’ll thrive in his new home in Houston.

He had a good start against Alabama State, producing 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in team-high 29 minutes. It’s a good start but it also is hard to see the improvement when playing against such an inferior opponent. At the least though, the coaching staff seems intent on giving Grimes a prominent role going forward with the Cougars. He also played off fellow starting guard Dejon Jarreau well, each sharing the lead facilitator role.

He’ll have a great opportunity to shine against another fellow transfer in guard Alex Barcello, who has also played well so far for BYU. Both will likely face off against each other at times in the game and the winner of that individual battle will have a big advantage.

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It’s a good start for Grimes who has the potential of being an All-AAC player. Houston wants the same guy who scored 28 points in the Champions Classic a year ago and if he can get close to that level, the Cougars will blitz past BYU and other opponents going forward.