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Although the Houston Cougars' campaign came to an end in the Sweet 16 of March Madness, they still had an incredible season, finishing with a 32-5 overall record.
Jamal Shead led the team from the front for most of the season but missed the second half of the Sweet 16 clash against Duke with a right ankle injury.
Shead has declared for the 2024 NBA draft and will leave a huge void in the Cougars' roster.With that, here are some of the returning players.
Top five basketball players returning to Houston for 2024-25 season
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J'Wan Roberts
The Cougars' leading rebounder announced his decision to use his COVID season for a sixth year of eligibility on Apr. 8. In his social media post, J'Wan Roberts said:
"Job's not finished. Let's run it back."
Roberts played an important role in the post for Houston, as he averaged 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 59.6% but avoided the 3-point line.
Coach Kelvin Sampson called Roberts "the poster child" of Houston "dripping with the Cougar DNA." The forward came out of high school as a three-star prospect but quickly developed his game and was now one of the core pillars of Houstons's defense in the last season.
LJ Cryer
The guard led Houston in scoring, as he averaged 15.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals this season.
After threee season at Baylor, Cryer transfered to the Cougars for his senior year. But it seems like he's not done yet. In a post game interview, LJ Cryer said:
"You never know how things are going to work out, so I'm never going to shut that door—especially after this type of year.
"I feel like this is the most fun I ever had in college, and I just feel like everyone here is genuine. I felt like (Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson) wholeheartedly believed in me, so I can't shut that door."
The last season was his best yet by far in his college career, and his return to the starting five would be crucial for Houston next season.
Mylik Wilson
The senior guard's career began in Louisiana before he made his way to Texas Tech and finally Houston.
Wilson averaged 4.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists this seson, and his role is expected to grow next year. His return to college is assured as he said:
"I'll definitely be playing college basketball next year. ... Probably for the Houston Cougars."
Ja'Vier Francis
He averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.2 assists and led the team in blocked shots with 1.6 per game. Ja'Vier Francis shot at 64.6%. His seven-foot-five wingspan makes him one of the core pillars of Houston's defense.
With Shead's departure, Francis is expected to take a more promimemt role in the post.
Emanuel Sharp
The guard averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals this season. Sharp made a huge jumpe in his sophomore season with his incredible perfromaces. He started in 32 of the 37 games.
Next season, Emanuel Sharp could take a bigger role in the offensive end of the team as he helps Cryer in the paint.
What do you think of the returning players? Let's know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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