NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from Team USA in 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup
Caleb Houstan – Freshman – Michigan – 6’8, 205 lbs – January 2003
Another top 10 RSCI prospect, Houston starred for the Canadian team this past week. The last I saw Houstan, he was in a catch-and-shoot role for the loaded 2019-2020 Montverde Academy team. In Latvia, Houstan was given more self-creation opportunities and they yielded mixed results.
He didn’t shoot great from three (11-58, 19%) but he took a handful of off the dribble pull-ups (he loves dribbling left to gather into his shot), which was encouraging to see. He’s proven he can be a dangerous catch-and-shoot player and will draw a ton of defensive gravity. Houstan needs to add strength to finish inside, but he showed some plus leaping ability and finishing craft.
Houstan’s team-defense was wildly impressive. He uses his plus wingspan well to disrupt driving lanes and minimize passing windows. He has great hip mobility, allowing him to slide with quicker guards on the perimeter. Houstan racked up 17 steals in seven games.
Caleb Houstan (Michigan) is awesome. Reads this pass from the big and jumps in front at the right time, then drops a dime going the other way. pic.twitter.com/9LNvClAwEm
— Brandon Simberg (@BrandonSimberg) July 12, 2021
Houstan’s fit at Michigan is one of my favorites when compared to other five-star freshmen. Juwan Howard’s system will give him the opportunity to play on and off the ball, and he’ll continue to develop as a pick-and-roll handler. His versatility should allow him to play the three and four for a deep Michigan frontcourt. Houstan has the physical tools of an NBA player and it’s easy to see him having a good season and becoming a top ten pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.