AAC Basketball: 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

2. Marcus Sasser

Suffice to say, a major part of Houston’s revival in recent years is due to the play of Sasser, a 6’1 guard from Red Oak, Texas who arrived on campus four years ago. A vital backcourt weapon for Kelvin Sampson, Sasser was a contributor as a freshman who developed into one of the nation’s elite by the end of his career, also helping Houston to all sorts of team success along the way.

The pandemic shortened his freshman season early, but he had quite the bounce back as a sophomore, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the Cougars to their first Final Four in three decades. Sasser had 20-point performances in both the Elite Eight and Final Four. Unfortunately, his junior season was cut short by a toe injury just twelve games into the season, but he was very effective in his return. As a senior, Sasser averaged 16.8 points and 3.1 assists per game, with good shooting numbers as he led Houston to another Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Unsurprisingly, Sasser racked up the accolades as a senior, as he was named AAC Player of the Year, a First Team All-American, and winner of the Jerry West Award, given to the nation’s best shooting guard. This Cougars program has taken major steps forward the last half decade and you better believe that Sasser was a major part of that success, both on and off the court these last four seasons. Sasser was a talented shooter, skilled defender, and an important piece at Houston and they’ll certainly miss him next year.