The Houston Cougars basketball team exuding confidence and spirit as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Houston Cougars basketball team has announced the transfer of forward Kalifa Sakho from Sam Houston ahead of the 2025-26 season. Sakho, standing 6-foot-11, averaged 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season, and brings significant defensive contributions to the team. This addition is part of the Cougars’ strategy to build a competitive roster as several key players prepare to graduate. With a promising recruiting class and strong coaching under Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars are poised for a robust upcoming season.
In a thrilling move for the Houston Cougars basketball team, the talented forward Kalifa Sakho has officially decided to transfer from Sam Houston to join the Cougars. As the team gears up for the 2025-26 season, they are making sure to build a roster that is ready for big challenges ahead.
Kalifa Sakho, standing tall at 6-foot-11, has proved himself to be a formidable player on the court. He showcased his skills at Sam Houston during the 2024-25 season, where he did not miss a single game, starting all 32 of them. This past season saw him averaging 7.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and an impressive 1.4 blocks per game. What’s even more commendable is that he shot a remarkable 66 percent from the field, demonstrating his efficiency and keen eye for the basket.
Sakho truly shined during the past season, particularly in a standout game against New Mexico State, where he recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. His contributions were invaluable, as he led Sam Houston with a staggering 125 defensive rebounds and 77 offensive rebounds, reflecting his tireless hustle and dedication on the court.
Kalifa’s basketball journey has been quite the ride. He started at South Plains College, a junior college in Texas, before making his way to Utah State for the 2023-24 season. Though his time at Utah State saw him average modestly at 2.7 points and 1.7 rebounds, he really found his groove when he transferred to Sam Houston.
The good news for Sakho is that he is eligible for an additional season due to the new NCAA eligibility rules. This gives him the chance to further develop his game and contribute to Houston’s ambitions in the upcoming season.
With head coach Kelvin Sampson at the helm, the Cougars are looking to build upon their recent successes. The team has made a name for itself in the Big 12, boasting an impressive 34-4 conference record over the last two years and earning No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament for the past three seasons. However, roster turnover is on the horizon as several key players, including L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts, are set to graduate.
What adds to the excitement is that Houston is welcoming its highest-rated recruiting class in history, currently ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports. This influx of talent will undoubtedly help the team stay competitive as they aim to maintain a strong championship window.
Adding to the drama, junior guard Milos Uzan has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft and is projected to be picked in the mid-second round. Uzan has until May 28 to make his final decision about returning to Houston or pursuing the professional route. The Cougars are counting on his experience and skill, but the possibility of his departure could lead to further reshuffling of the roster.
As the Cougars look to the future, head coach Sampson’s $4.7 million annual contract runs until the end of the 2026-27 season and includes a succession plan involving his assistant coach son, Kellen Sampson. This setup ensures that the team’s competitive spirit continues seamlessly, regardless of who’s on the court.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as these developments unfold. With Kalifa Sakho joining forces with the Houston Cougars, one can only wait to see how this dynamic talent will impact the season and beyond.
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