.png&width=48&height=48&type=webp)
University of Houston Athletics
Houston Begins Team Practice on Friday
10/16/2020 8:33:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Cougars work out in Guy V. Lewis Development Facility as start of 2020-21 season draws near
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Men's Basketball program started its regular team workout schedule on Friday afternoon inside the Guy V. Lewis Development Facility as the 2020-21 season continues to draw closer.
The Cougars have been working in individual and small groups since school started in August. Friday's practice marked the start of the team's 20-hour workout week schedule.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during the last six years, the Cougars have posted 139 victories with back-to-back American Athletic Conference regular-season championships, five straight 20-win seasons and four postseason appearances with two NCAA Tournaments, including a berth in the 2019 NCAA Sweet 16.
While the team's schedule has not officially been announced yet, the American Athletic Conference recently revealed that teams will play a 20-game league schedule for the first time in 2020-21. The Cougars will meet its other 10 conference rivals in home-and-home series.
The full schedule, along with television selections and game times, will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT the HOUSTON COUGARS
Sampson returns four starters and seven lettermen from last season's squad. With a 23-8 overall record and 13-5 mark in American play, the Cougars finished ranked among the Top 25 in both final national polls for the third straight year.
Guard Caleb Mills returns for his sophomore season after a record-setting campaign. The Arden, N.C., native led the Cougars with 13.2 points a year ago, becoming only the second Houston freshman to lead the team in scoring.
He was named to the American Athletic Conference Second Team and was joined on the league's All-Freshmen Team by fellow sophomore guard Marcus Sasser.
Junior Quentin Grimes finished second among the Cougars with 12.1 points per game, including a team season- and career-high 32 points in a road win at Rice early in the year.
Senior guard DeJon Jarreau averaged 9.0 points per game and led Houston with 3.3 assists per contest. The New Orleans native is looking to become only the eighth player in school history with three seasons with 100+ assists during his career.
Senior forward Brison Gresham returns as the team's leading shot blocker after swatting 37 opponent's shots in 2019-20. Senior forward Justin Gorham competed in all but one game a year ago and scored a season-high 11 points in his Cougar debut against Alabama State.
The Cougars will be boosted with the addition of five newcomers this season, including junior forward Reggie Chaney, freshman guards Tramon Mark, Jamal Shead and Ryan Elvin and freshman center Kiyron Powell.
JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (46874).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
The Cougars have been working in individual and small groups since school started in August. Friday's practice marked the start of the team's 20-hour workout week schedule.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during the last six years, the Cougars have posted 139 victories with back-to-back American Athletic Conference regular-season championships, five straight 20-win seasons and four postseason appearances with two NCAA Tournaments, including a berth in the 2019 NCAA Sweet 16.
While the team's schedule has not officially been announced yet, the American Athletic Conference recently revealed that teams will play a 20-game league schedule for the first time in 2020-21. The Cougars will meet its other 10 conference rivals in home-and-home series.
The full schedule, along with television selections and game times, will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT the HOUSTON COUGARS
Sampson returns four starters and seven lettermen from last season's squad. With a 23-8 overall record and 13-5 mark in American play, the Cougars finished ranked among the Top 25 in both final national polls for the third straight year.
Guard Caleb Mills returns for his sophomore season after a record-setting campaign. The Arden, N.C., native led the Cougars with 13.2 points a year ago, becoming only the second Houston freshman to lead the team in scoring.
He was named to the American Athletic Conference Second Team and was joined on the league's All-Freshmen Team by fellow sophomore guard Marcus Sasser.
Junior Quentin Grimes finished second among the Cougars with 12.1 points per game, including a team season- and career-high 32 points in a road win at Rice early in the year.
Senior guard DeJon Jarreau averaged 9.0 points per game and led Houston with 3.3 assists per contest. The New Orleans native is looking to become only the eighth player in school history with three seasons with 100+ assists during his career.
Senior forward Brison Gresham returns as the team's leading shot blocker after swatting 37 opponent's shots in 2019-20. Senior forward Justin Gorham competed in all but one game a year ago and scored a season-high 11 points in his Cougar debut against Alabama State.
The Cougars will be boosted with the addition of five newcomers this season, including junior forward Reggie Chaney, freshman guards Tramon Mark, Jamal Shead and Ryan Elvin and freshman center Kiyron Powell.
JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (46874).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
F/C
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
C
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballPOSTGAME — at #14 Kansas (Feb. 23, 2026)
Monday, February 23
POSTGAME — vs #4 Arizona (Feb. 21, 2026)
Saturday, February 21
POSTGAME — at Iowa State (Feb. 16, 2026
Monday, February 16
HIGHLIGHTS – vs Kansas State (February 16, 2026)
Sunday, February 15