2006 Houston Cougars Basketball Preview

2006 Houston Cougars Basketball Predictions

The Houston Cougars (21- 10 overall and 9- 5 in C- USA) made it to the second round of the NIT in 2005- 06 and were then barely defeated by Missouri State 60- 59. This year’s Cougars look even better than last season’s.

Lanny Smith (12.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.4 APG) and Oliver Lafayette (15.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.8 APG) combine to form a fine backcourt tandem. Smith can score and dish off, while Lafayette can score and defend (105 steals). Look for depth from junior college transfers Charlie Jones, Robert Lee and Robert McKiver.

In the front, Jahmar Thorpe (9.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.6 APG) plays a tough game, while Sam Anderson (4.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.1 APG) showed marked improvement towards the end of the season. Dion Dowell, a transfer from Texas, will have an immediate impact, playing the post and going outside to hit threes. Frontcourt community college recruits include shot blocker, swingman Tafari Toney and forward Anthony Jones.

In two years at Houston, coach Tom Penders (39- 24) has made amazing strides. Penders has been a strong recruiter, finding fine players at junior college programs. This season, he’s also managed to get some good big men on board. With Penders exhaustive recruiting efforts has come fallout, meaning that numerous freshmen from last season have transferred out. This would be a good trend to reverse, especially since last year Houston was bothered by inconsistent play.

The Cougars have seen a definite up tick in defense and the return of a solid backcourt—both of which bode well for this club. Houston has a good chance of making it to the Big Dance this season.

If you want more info on the 2006 Houston Cougars College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Missouri State Bears and Memphis Tigers.