Texas A&M-Corpus Christi returns to the Fertitta Center for a Saturday afternoon matinee against the Houston Cougars. Last season, the Islanders lost to the Coogs last season 82-50.

I really enjoyed scouting them this week. They have good size, multiple guys that can score in various ways, talented athletes, solid shooters, and good guard play. They should be high-level contenders in the Southland Conference. I also enjoyed watching head coach Jim Shaw on the sideline. He is ACTIVE!! He was running up and down the sideline, and I hope he brings that same energy Saturday! From a scouting perspective, I don’t love that he changes the starting lineup as often as he does.

They are led by forward #33 Garry Clark, who is the “Head of the Snake.” He leads the Islanders in points, rebounds, and turnovers per game. He did not start in their last game for some reason, but he led the team in minutes and scoring. He can score beyond the arc but prefers to do his work in the mid and low post. The Coogs kept him in check last season, holding him to 4 points and eight rebounds.

I like their guards as well. Jordan Roberts (#2) was 3/3 from beyond the arc last season against the Coogs and continues shooting at a high rate. UH defenders will need to know where he is at all times. Damarion Dennis (#5) is a “Kelvin Sampson guy,” playing extremely tough defense as a pass-first point guard. He usually makes great decisions. I have a lot of respect for the way he plays.

UH needs a great crowd for the last game before Christmas and before the conference season starts. There are a lot of excuses today: People are finishing up their Christmas shopping, students are mostly gone, the Texans play the Chiefs at the same time, and the College Football Playoffs are being played at the same time.

But J’Wan Roberts and Emanuel Sharp battled injuries during the Toledo game – J’Wan was not cleared as of Thursday evening. Ramon Walker is out until at least January 20th. With less than a full roster, it will be critical for the Coogs to remain focused and prepared to take care of business. I would look for L.J. Cryer to lead the way for the Coogs on Saturday. Today is a great opportunity to take the reins as the on-floor leader of this team.

Texas A&M- Corpus Christi Offense

• The Islanders have several talented and athletic post players who can score in the mid and low post. Garry Clark is their most talented forward. He is best when facing up, but can also score in the low post.
• Jordan Roberts is their best outside shooting threat. He was 3/3 against Houston last year and has been red hot to start the season this year.
• Owen Dease (#12) is a super-talented 6’8” player who can play inside or beyond the arc. He did not dress last game and I have not found out why.

Islanders Defense

• They try to “front the post” in their halfcourt M2M defense. The problem is they often don’t have help-side defense, and the offense can pass over the top for wide-open dunks.
• I have not seen them fullcourt press as a team. But they do like to have someone defend the point guard for the entire length of the floor on most defensive possessions.
• The Islanders primarily play HC M2M defense.
• Big man Stephen Giwa (#32) is a talented post defender. The local kid (FB Bush) is a solid shot blocker and rebounder.
• Damarion Dennis is so fun to watch. He will guard anyone bringing the ball up the court. He is super pesky, and I suspect Coach Sampson is a big fan of his.

Texas A&M- Corpus Christi Personnel

(* Indicates Probable Starters)

Note: Their coach switches up the starting lineup pretty often. TWELVE different Islanders have started this season. Soooo…your guess is as good as mine on who they’ll roll out vs the Coogs on Saturday.

*#33 – Garry Clark – 6’8″ – SR – Forward – (Western Texas JC/Tarleton State) – 14ppg, 6rpg.

• Big body forward; Future professional basketball player (maybe not NBA, but will likely play basketball for a living);
• Leads the team in scoring, rebounds, and turnovers;
• Really good in the mid-post; Extremely nice face-up game;
• Very tough finisher at the rim; Solid short-hook shot;
• Didn’t start last game for some reason; Played 18 minutes and still led the team in scoring.

*#12 – Owen Dease – 6’8″ – RS JR – Forward – 9ppg, 5rpg, 2.5apg.

• Long/athletic stretch forward; Super versatile;
• Solid three-point shooter; Can make it from DEEP!;
• Crafty in the paint; Has several moves that he can make, depending on how he is guarded;
• Did not play last game, and I have not found out why.

*#2 – Jordan Roberts – 6’4″ – SR – Guard – 9ppg, 2rpg.

• Outstanding three-point shooter; 16/44 (36%); Leads the team in 3’s made and attempted; Better get a hand in his face;
• Capable finisher in the paint;
• Flopper on defense.

*#21 – Jaden Walker – 6’5″ – RS SR – Guard – (Iowa State/Eastern Carolina) – 5ppg, 4rpg.

• Taller than normal point guard;
• Capable, but not great three-point shooter;
• Solid at shooting the mid-range jumper off the bounce.

*#32 – Stephen Giwa – 6’9″ – RS JR – Center – (Panola College) – 8ppg, 4rpg.

• Houston kid;
• Really big center;
• Pretty good drop-step in the post; Not great footwork…gets sped up often and travels;
• He’s very athletic but is still a raw talent.

#13 – Shilo Jackson – 6’9″ – RS JR – Center – (Vincennes JC) – 6ppg, 3rpg.

• Tall/back-up center; Very versatile big-man;
• Brings good energy off the bench;
• Good at catching at the elbow and attacking the basket;
• Can finish with either hand in the low post;
• Not an outside threat.

#6 – Sheldon Williams – 6’8″ – JR- Forward – (Coastal Alabama CC) – 8ppg, 5rpg.

• Lengthy back-up forward;
• Not a great shooter outside of the paint; If he catches outside, he is likely looking to drive to the basket;
• Good finisher around the basket; Patient and makes the right reads most of the time;
• Had a triple-double in his last game!

#1 – Dian Wright-Forde – 6’3″ – SR – Guard – (Odessa College) – 7ppg, 1rpg.

• LEFTY;
• Bigger bodied guard; Strong!;
• Solid finisher at the rim; Draws a lot of fouls; Good FT shooter (81%);
• Not a great outside shooter.

#5 – Damarion Dennis – 6’1″ (Not so sure about that…) – FR – Guard – 7ppg, 1rpg.

• Smaller/back-up guard; GREAT at his role; Tough defense, pass first PG;
• I LOVE watching this kid play; I guarantee Coach Sampson would say the same;
• Very pesky defender; Likes to pressure the ball, the full length of the court; I would put him on LJ and make every shot a difficult one;
• Does not shoot a ton, but takes solid shots and is more than capable.

#0 – Leo Torbor – 6’3″ – JR – Guard – (San Jose State/New Mexico JC) – 3ppg, 2rpg.

• Back-up point guard;
• Solid at driving to the basket.

#24 – Aaron Potter – 6’3″ – JR – Guard – (Hutchinson CC/Western Texas College) – 6ppg, 2rpg.

• Good shooter off the bench.

#3 – Christian Villegas – 6’2″ – SR – Guard – (Midland College) – 2ppg, 1rpg.

• Not a great offensive threat;
• I’m sure he affects winning in some manner.

Keys to Victory

1. Do not overlook them. This is not a bad team whose record does not reflect their talent. The Coogs have a lot of possible excuses mentioned in the first paragraph that could affect the crowd size. It will be important to come in focused and look to put them away early and often.
2. Defend their forwards without fouling. They have a lot of talent in the front court. The UH big men have been foul-happy this season. Although I would love to see the Coogs “go small” more often, they will need Ja’Vier, Jojo, and J’Wan (if he plays) to be on the court to defend their size at times.
3. Feed the post. The Islanders like to front the post and often do not have help-side defense. If the Coogs will clear out and post hard, they should be able to pass over the A&M-CC defense for dunks.
4. Go small and “run-n-gun”. I LOVE it when the Coogs go with LJ, Mercy, Emanuel, Terrance, and Jojo. They have five guys that can score and put pressure on the opponent’s defense. They are also athletic enough to rebound and defend the other team, even with their bigs in the game. I’d love to see them push more on offense to create easy opportunities.
5. Crowd Involvement. The crowd that shows up and show out. I expect a smaller crowd than usual due to the opponent and many other things happening in the area. Houston needs the crowd that shows up to be loud and help push the guys to victory. They deserve it, and as a perennial Top 15 team in the country, they have earned it.

Catch CATS! postgame: