Houston Basketball: 3 things that Marcus Sasser should focus on in 2021-22

Showing that he can be the primary creator late in games

Whether it’s making a big-time pass late in a game or knocking down a clutch shot when the Cougars need a basket, it will be important for Sasser to show that he can be the primary creator for the Cougars in 2021-22 when games are on the line. Every team needs a guy that will demand the ball down the stretch of games and make whatever play is needed, and I think that Sasser has to be that guy for Houston this upcoming season.

I mean just think about it for a second, Sasser is a player that Kelvin Sampson knows he can fully trust in crunch time (because he has proven that he can deliver when Sampson needs him to), so it would only makes sense for Sasser to step up and take on a closer/late game playmaker role in 2021-22.

The one key to Sasser’s success in this area will be the timing of his passes and shots when the pressure is on. Delaying a pass/shot that should have been thrown/released much earlier could result in a turnover or missed shot that would put the Cougars at a disadvantage in a tight contest. When a prime opportunity to hit an open man or get a clean look off presents itself, Sasser needs to take full advantage of it and avoid missing out on a chance to make a game-changing play for his team.

Houston probably won’t be involved in a close game every single night, but sometimes the Cougars may not be able to put it all together offensively, which would then allow their opponents to hang around with them. When that occurs, Sasser must rise to the occasion and take it upon himself to make something happen in a timely and effective fashion.

If he is able to do this regularly in 2021-22, Houston shouldn’t have a problem at least repeating the success that they enjoyed in the AAC last season. Don’t be surprised if Sasser focuses heavily on the three aspects that I touched on in this article and takes a major leap as a player in his 3rd season of college basketball.