2024 Tournament PreviewAfter getting upset in the Sweet Sixteen last year, coach Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars hope to return to the Final Four with the nation's No. 2-ranked defense (per KenPom). Houston is second nationally in defensive FG percentage (per KenPom) and thrives on a turnover advantage on both ends of the court as the nation's only team in the top 10 in offensive and defensive turnover rates. Senior Jamal Shead (13.1 ppg, 6.2 apg) is one of the nation's best point guards and Baylor transfer L.J. Cryer (15.7 ppg) has provided a much-needed offensive boost as the leading scorer. The upperclassmen frontcourt of 6-7 J'Wan Roberts (9.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and 6-8 Ja'Vier Francis (6.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) get plenty of put-back opportunities thanks to the Cougars' top-15 offensive rebounding rate. Arguably the biggest factor, however, is a much more challenging Big 12 schedule than what Houston played last year in the AAC. The Cougars have seven Quad 1 wins while going undefeated in Quads 2, 3 and 4.
Scouting Report Offense Defense
Efficiency N/A N/A
Pace 65.0 (319)
Effective FG% 50.34 (193) 43.96 (2)
Turnover % 11.52 (4) 21.12 (3)
Off Reb % 36.81 (11) 31.22 (277)
FTA/FGA 30.77 (232) 39.42 (313)
3P% 34.84 (132) 30.12 (11)
2P% 49.22 (225) 43.14 (3)
FT% 68.70 (294) 67.44 (9)
3PA/FGA 36.77 (191) 40.12 (276)
Totals
Per Game
Loading Team Stats...
Loading Team Stats
Houston
Big 12
Rankings
AP Poll: #1 Coaches Poll: #2 NET: #1 RPI: #2
Record
Overall: (32-5) Conference: (15-3) Quad 1: (16-5) Quad 2: (4-0) Quad 3: (5-0) Quad 4: (7-0)
Loading Schedule...
Loading Post Schedule...
Houston Depth Chart
Our full team depth charts are reserved for RotoWire subscribers.
Subscribe Now
Houston Starting Lineup - Last 5 Games
Loading Last 5 Lineups...
Houston Roster
Loading Roster...
News Display Mode
Compact
Expanded