NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season
450. . . . Cougars . 7. team
2022-23 season record: 33-4 (17-1 AAC)
Expected losses: Marcus Sasser, Jarace Walker, Reggie Chaney, Tramon Mark
The Cougars are set to lose a lot of talent this offseason. Leading scorer and AAC Player of the Year guard Marcus Sasser is going pro, along with projected lottery pick, Jarace Walker. They took another hit with starting guard entering the portal as well. That leaves starting point guard Jamal Shead, who is in the draft process but likely will come back.
Despite losing 3 of the top 4 players (for now), Houston still is in great shape as it heads to the Big 12. Starting forward J’Wan Roberts (10.0 ppg and 7.7 rpg) is coming back to anchor the frontcourt, while guards Emanuel Sharp and Terrance Arceneaux will have large roles in the backcourt. There’s also Texas Tech transfer Mylik Wilson joining the rotation after redshirting, along with Charleston Southern transfer Darius Bowser.
The top-20 recruiting class should have an impact for the Cougars too. Top-50 shooting guard Kordelius Jefferson will be a freshman to watch, while forwards Jacob McFarland and Joseph Tugler replenish the frontcourt.
This is a program under head coach Kelvin Sampson that doesn’t rebuild anymore. They do lose a lot of talent but are set for a big season in the Big 12 and among all the newcomers will have the best chance to succeed in year 1.