University of Houston basketball programs prepare for season openers

The University of Houston is set to begin its 2026-27 basketball season with home games for both its men's and women's programs at the Fertitta Center.

The women's team will host the Hampton Pirates for their season opener. Head coach Matthew Mitchell leads a roster featuring three returning players, including Kayla King, Jemma Hunter, and Jorynn Ross. The squad has been bolstered by six transfers, such as Kaelyn Hamilton and Raegan McCowan, alongside four incoming freshmen. Notably, transfer Justice Carlton is sidelined for the season due to injury.

The men's team, ranked No. 10 nationally, will face the La Salle Explorers. The Cougars enter the season with significant roster changes, including four new starters. Key players to watch include returning junior Mercy Miller, transfer point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., and star forward Joseph Tugler, who is on the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year watchlist. Delrecco Gillespie joins the frontcourt as a transfer from Kent State.