Houston Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Cougars
Key Reserves
Small Forward/Wing: Terrance Arceneaux
Terrance Arceneaux is a name with breakout potential as he heads into his sophomore season with the Cougars. He was an AAC All-Freshmen performer after appearing in 34 games and averaging 3.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg across 13.9 minutes per contest in 2022-23. He’s a name with some upside given his length at 6-foot-5. He put up a season-high 10 points across 19 minutes back on Jan. 5 in a conference victory over SMU in his best outing. With more opportunities on the horizon for him, look for his production to bloom.
Guard – Emanuel Sharp
Emanuel Sharp is another player in the Houston rotation who’s climbed up the ranks as he enters his redshirt sophomore season. He’ll have some opportunities to prove himself off the bench in a bigger capacity after appearing in 15.6 mpg and posting 5.9 ppg and 2.2 rpg on 34.7 percent shooting from deep. He earned AAC All-Freshmen honors alongside Terrance Arceneaux in 2022-23. He’s a capable shooting threat who’s due to produce in a key reserve role for the Cougars as they head into the talented Big 12.
Guard – Mylik Wilson
Mylik Wilson is a redshirt senior with two seasons left of eligibility who should boost the Houston backcourt with his ability to operate at both guard roles. He’s capable of giving a spell to Shead when needed and has shown he can make plays already at a high level for his teammates. Look for him to emerge as a fan favorite off the bench with his abilities.
Wing/Forward – Ramon Walker Jr.
Ramon Walker Jr. enters his junior season looking to be a veteran presence off the bench for the Cougars. He made 10 appearances in 2022-23, finishing with 2.9 ppg and 2.5 rpg. He’ll be a potential name who could rotate in at the small forward/wing role if Dunn needs a breather or gets in foul trouble. Look for him to get more opportunities in a reserve role for the Cougars.
Forward – Joseph Tugler
Joseph Tugler is a member of Houston’s 2023 recruiting class who should contribute right away. He chose the Cougars over TCU, SMU, Kansas State, Tulsa and Texas as he looks to make an impact right away in the frontcourt. Things are a bit bare for Houston on the experience front in the frontcourt so expect Coach Sampson to throw Tugler into the fire. He’s a physical presence at 6-foot-7 who should provide good minutes at the backup power forward role.
Center – Jacob McFarland
Jacob McFarland is another 2023 recruiting class signee who should make an instant impact in the frontcourt with his length and presence at the center role. He’s a 6-foot-11 big man with a knack for protecting and playing with a ton of energy around the rim. Look for him to play spot minutes in the frontcourt.