The Houston Cougars dominated one of the best teams in America Sunday afternoon and did it without starting center Ja’Vier Francis. The sky is the absolute limit for this team.
Offensive Notes
- Houston’s ball movement was incredible. Maybe the best I’ve seen from the Coogs over the past few years.
- UH is deadly they get 3-point looks out of the post or from a drive (rather than side-to-side passes).
- The Cougars dominated the Aggies on the offensive glass (and Ja’Vier Francis did not play).
- When Milos Uzan gets in the paint, the Coogs are dangerous. He is a creative finisher, and if he gets stopped, he makes the right read to kick out to an open shooter.
- Good to see Terrance Arceneaux back. He is a big-time mismatch for most defenders. He looked phenomenal in the mid-range, off the bounce, and can make the trailing three in transition.
- Mylik Wilson looked much more comfortable with the ball in his hands.
- Mercy Miller is who we thought he was! He made some mistakes that guys will make early in their careers, and then BOOM!! He is ultra-aggressive on offense and will be one of those special scorers.
- I really like J’Wan Roberts in the pinch post. It gives him more room to make his move going left and the ability to see the floor and make an inside/out pass to an open shooter.
- JoJo Tugler is going to be fine on offense. He made several really nice moves and had several shots rim out.
- L.J. Cryer looked much more comfortable in the offense. He was not forcing shots, and his shot looked really smooth.
- Ramon Walker Jr. made some big shots! Brings a huge spark of energy off the bench.
- Emanuel Sharp is easily one of the best DEEP threats in the country. His range is incredible.
Defensive Notes
- First defensive possession of the season ended with a shot clock violation. Houston Cougar basketball is officially back!
- Deflections turn into steals. Coogs had SEVERAL deflections.
- JoJo defending the inbound passer on the baseline is an underrated weapon.
- Ramon took a charge on his first defensive possession. THE ultimate culture guy.
Misc. Notes
- J’Wan is officially the vocal leader of the team. I saw several instances of him directing traffic when he was on and off the court. When all starters were out, he yelled at Mylik to get the guys on the court to huddle up before a free throw. He’s going to have a huge final year. .
- Jacob McFarland did some good things. The staff will work with him on using his length to jump straight up when defending a shot vs. reaching over the offensive player and committing the foul (he’ll get it fixed and be just fine).
- The Coogs took advantage of deflections/tips/steals and looked really good running in transition.
- UH allowed too many shooting fouls. You really don’t want them shooting many free throws before they get in the bonus.
- I may have lost my mind if Jojo had made that dunk. Not many things bring me to my feet…that dunk attempt did.
- Chase McCarty and Kordel Jefferson brought good energy off the bench. Will grow into their roles and will have plenty of opportunities to do so over the next couple of months.
- Big Ced Lath had a nice catch and rocked the rim! Great find from Mercy!