Houston Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Cougars
2023-24 Season Outlook
The Houston Cougars return looking to avenge an early exit in last year’s NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed in the Sweet 16. They’ll have a strong defensive presence once again with the return of J’Wan Roberts and Jamal Shead which should carry them this season. They certainly have the defensive makeup on paper to be a top defensive team in college basketball once again with Shead leading the way at point guard.
One thing looming is the emergence of Terrance Arceneaux. He’s shown early signs of turning a corner as their lead option in the rotation following their foreign exhibition tour this past August to Australia. If Arceneaux can break out and lead the offense, he’ll have some experience around him to build chemistry and confidence with before January arrives. If Arceneaux doesn’t work out, they’ve got other options they can utilize to lead the way offensively in Cryer and Dunn.
Both are All-Conference caliber guards who have shown they’re capable of making things happen on the perimeter and as playmakers. Cryer even has a national title ring in his trophy case following his freshman stint with the Baylor Bears.
Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2023-24. dark
It will be interesting to see how Houston performs against the likes of Baylor, Kansas and Kansas State in their first season in the Big 12. They’ve got the potential to be a Top 5 team when the smoke clears in March. Look for them to be an NCAA Tournament squad once again.