Houston walked off the court in 2025 two points short of a title—and they’re not here to wait anymore.
As one of college basketball’s most complete groups, the Cougars return a battle-tested core, add top‑tier freshman talent, and bring back the culture Kelvin Sampson built: ruthless work ethic, stifling defense, and championship ambition.
Welcome to Houston’s redemption tour. And yes—they’re No. 2 for a reason.
🧠 Milos Uzan: The Heartbeat that Pulses Houston
The biggest offseason news?
Milos Uzan withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft to run it back in Houston si.com+1thedailycougar.com+1thedailycougar.com+4houstonchronicle.com+4houstonchronicle.com+4. As the floor general, Uzan led with 11.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.1 RPG, and nearly 43% 3‑point shooting—earning All‑Big 12 Second Team honors collegefootballnetwork.com+14si.com+14hoopsrumors.com+14.
He logged 40 starts and anchored the backcourt during Houston’s 35–5 season and their trip to the National Championship game espn.ph+2en.wikipedia.org+2aol.com+2. Now a senior with unfinished business, Uzan brings poise, shot creation, and leadership that few teams can match.
🔥 Emanuel Sharp: Bucket-Getter Returns
While Uzan leads, Emanuel Sharp supplies the firepower.
Houston’s second-leading scorer returns, ready to fill the void left by LJ Cryer. Known for his three-level scoring and fearless drive, Sharp averaged around 12.6 PPG last seasonespn.com+15aol.com+15houstonchronicle.com+15collegefootballnetwork.com (various outlets). Healthy now, he’s poised to become the primary perimeter threat with Uzan drawing defensive attention.
🛡️ Joseph “JoJo” Tugler: Defensive Anchor
Joseph Tugler returns as Houston’s defensive backbone. The Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year and winner of the Lefty Driesell National Defensive Award will be back for fall practice after offseason foot surgery .
Last season, Tugler delivered 5.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.9 BPG in 40 games—including a team-high 77 blocks247sports.com+6thedailycougar.com+6houstonchronicle.com+6. He is the singular impact protector who transforms Houston into an elite defensive unit.
🔁 Supporting Cast & Returners
This team is built on system players who understand their roles:
- Ramon Walker Jr. – Veteran wing with tough perimeter defense.
- Terrance Arceneaux – May return from transfer portal; versatile threat if healthy.
- Mercy Miller – An athletic guard whose scoring upside emerges with experience.
- Kordelius Jefferson – Set for a sophomore leap with energy and defense.
- Cedric Lath, Chase McCarty, Jacob McFarland – Provide critical depth and size in the frontcourt.
Houston doesn’t chase stars—they develop winners.
🎓 Elite Incoming Freshmen Roster
Houston’s 2025 recruiting class (ranked No. 2 by 247Sports) arrives ready to contribute 🇫🇷:
- Chris Cenac Jr. – 5-star center, the top-rated big man, projected 2026 NBA lottery pick.
- Isiah Harwell – 5-star shooting guard, elite shooter to replace Cryer’s production.
- Kingston Flemings – 5-star scoring point guard with elite shot-creation ability.
- Bryce Jackson – Texas-based 3-star guard known for energy and perimeter defense.
These freshman aren’t just promising—they’re instant-impact pieces who fit Houston’s culture of accountability.
🏆 Championship Blueprint
Houston’s formula is simple:
- Elite point guard leadership — Uzan
- Perimeter scoring punch — Sharp & Harwell
- Defense-first mentality — Tugler, Walker, Jefferson
- Depth and uncoverable matchups — freshmen + role players
They don’t oversell—they execute. They don’t flash—they finish.
✅ Final Verdict as No. 2 Preseason Team
Purdue may hold the No. 1 spot, but Houston’s back—with a hunger that runs deeper.
This team has seen the summit. They’ve felt the sting of falling short. Now, with experience, talent, and redemption on the line, Houston is a national title favorite in 2026.
Unit 1 Hoop Source 