Houston Cougars Gear Up for Season with Promising Freshman Class
The Houston Cougars basketball program has officially welcomed its new freshman class as the academic year begins. This pivotal moment allows coaches to engage with the incoming athletes and assess the impact of their recruiting efforts. With aspirations for another championship run, the Cougars are focused on building a robust foundation for the upcoming season.
Fresh Faces Bring Energy to the Team
Assistant coach Kellen Sampson, son of head coach Kelvin Sampson, expressed his enthusiasm for the four freshmen joining the team. In a recent episode of GoCoogs.com’s Talking Bout Them Cougars!, Kellen highlighted the competitive nature of the newcomers, stating, “Our current freshmen have what Galen had as a freshman, which is crazy competitiveness.” He emphasized their resilience, noting that they may not always initiate play but excel at responding effectively during workouts and competitions.
The four standout freshmen include guard Isiah Harwell from Pocatello, Idaho, guard Kingston Flemmings from San Antonio, Texas, forward/center Chris Cenac Jr. from New Orleans, Louisiana, and guard Bryce Jackson from Pearland, Texas. Each player boasts impressive credentials, having been rated either four or five stars as high school recruits.
Kellen Sampson remarked on their adaptability to coaching, saying, “All four of them have very, very few insecurities and so they allow themselves to get coached. They’re not defensive. It’s allowing them to progress and improve at a really, really good rate.” This development will be crucial as the Cougars aim for a championship title in 2025.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The Cougars relied heavily on veteran leadership during the 2024 season, but with many of those players moving on, the freshmen now have the opportunity to step into significant roles. Head coach Kelvin Sampson conveyed optimism about the newcomers’ potential, stating, “Our freshmen are going to come along, I’m excited about what they can be.” He added, “November will be an interesting month for us, but I’ve said before that I don’t get carried away with wins and losses in the month of November. The team will be what it is by then and we’ll see where they are at the end of it.”
The Cougars will kick off their 2025 campaign against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on October 26, 2025. This matchup is set to take place at the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas, with the exact tip-off time yet to be announced. As excitement builds for the season ahead, fans are eager to see how the new talent will contribute to the team’s aspirations.
