5-star recruit Isiah Harwell shares new update on joining Kelvin Sampson's Houston Cougars

Isiah Harwell, a five-star prospect from the Class of 2025 who signed with the Houston Cougars last month, shared a new update about joining the school on Instagram this weekend. The post features a picture of Harwell, who is from Pocatello, Idaho, on the cover.

“I am excited to be joining the @linkingcoogs family this fall when I join the @uhcougarmbk team on campus. I can’t wait to be on the court with the team and show everyone what it is to be a Houston Cougar! Be sure to check out @linkingcoogs to help support UH athletes through NIL. #gocoogs,” the caption read.

The 6-foot-5 guard will join the Cougars in the fall, and he seems enthusiastic about the opportunity. Harwell chose the Cougars over Gonzaga, Texas and California.

Isiah Harwell is among the top 20 recruits from the Class of 2025, ranking fourth among the shooting guards. He was the Cougars’ first five-star ranking recruit since Danuel House in 2012. Later, Chris Cenac Jr., another five-star recruit, signed with Houston last month.

Kelvin Sampson influenced Isiah Harwell’s decision to join the Houston Cougars

Isiah Harwell cited Houston Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson as a significant reason for choosing the school. He told On3 that he felt that Houston's culture was a good fit for him and he could “thrive and succeed” with the team. Harwell also talked about his faith in Sampson and the staff.

“Coach Sampson has a way with speaking that just makes me motivated and ready to play," Harwell said. "He also has a lot of experience and knows what he's looking for."

In another interview with ESPN, the youngster talked about aspects of Sampson’s coaching that he liked.

"Coach Sampson is a cool dude," he said.

"He knows what it takes for players to reach the next level," he added. "We talked about that. I need to shoot 38-40% from 3, average six or seven rebounds and play defense on the opponent's best perimeter player. He said if you don't play defense, you won't play at Houston."

Likewise, Sampson has also expressed that he has seen exponential growth in Harwell's play from when he first saw Harwell play at age 15. Fans are excited to see what Isiah brings in for the Cougars and vice versa.