NCAA Basketball: Top 25 preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

After making the Final Four for the first time in decades, the question with Houston was going to be whether they would rebuild or reload. Losing leading scorer Quentin Grimes and all-around guard Dejon Jarreau is tough but head coach Kelvin Sampson once again has a roster built for toughness and efficiency.

Two perimeter transfers brought in are both known for being great defenders. The first is Taze Moore, a 6’5 wing from Cal State Bakersfield that averaged double figures in the past two years and was All-Big West on the defensive end. Texas Tech transfer Kyler Edwards is one of the better all-around players and could take Jarreau’s role as lead facilitator.

Otherwise, the duo of Tramon Mark and Masser Sasser will take over as primary ball-handlers. Sasser was second on the team with 13.7 ppg and made 34% of his three-point attempts at over eight a game. Mark isn’t as good a shooter but can create his own shot and will be a national breakout candidate for next season.

The biggest development for the Cougars is more emphasis on frontcourt play this season. UConn transfer Josh Carlton gives them a true center to work with, while both Reggie Chaney and Fabian White, Jr. are back. And look for four-star frontcourt prospect Ja’Vier Francis to have an impact as well as a freshman. With more balance inside and out, Houston will remain a force in both the AAC and nationally.