Houston Scouting Report
- Sam Bourne
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
After two victories over High Point and McNeese State, the Purdue Boilermakers get the unenviable reward of playing the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen. Houston is second in Kenpom with an impressive 32-4 record, going 22-1 against Big 12 competition. Fortunately for Purdue, the matchup will be in Indianapolis, a familiar arena that will be filled with Purdue fans looking to edge the Boilermakers past Houston.
Houston's Offense
Many people, including myself, have been harsh about Houston's offense in years past with an icky taint of the throw it at the rim and rebound style of offense. Yet, this season, Houston is top 10 in adjusted offensive efficiency. A feat accomplished through getting extra shots (limiting turnovers, offensive rebounds) and leading the country in three point percentage (39.8 percent!).
Houston doesn't want to blow teams away with pace, rather looking to play in the half court where they can run a variety of sets. Their actions/sets could be described as simple but effective. Expect quick isolations, off ball screens for LJ Cryer, and pick and rolls for Milos Uzan.
Offensive Sets
Like I mentioned, Houston doesn't run complex actions, but they challenge teams to guard their best players in good spots. If a set works, expect them to use it consistently until it is stopped. If Cryer makes a shot, expect the next set to be for him specifically. To start the game, I expect a lot of Roberts in the post trying to create shots against Purdue's post double.
Common Sets
Horns Pick and Roll (Roller Isolation)
Scissor Punch (Right Block Post Up)
Stack Out Pick and Roll ("Rip Rt")
Iverson Side Pick and Roll
ATOs/Counters
Iverson Step Up
Iverson Backdoor Pin Down
Stack Flare
Stack Decoy Cross Pin Down
Veer to 77 (Ball screen to a pin down to a double ball screen)
Player Personnel
#13 - J'Wan Roberts
One of the most underrated players in the country, Roberts is a stud for Houston. He is undersized but will play physical and does a great job setting his teammates up when he draws help. Look for him to get touches in the mid-post or in the elbow areas where he can rip and drive. Heavy left hand scorer, Purdue has to make him be more of a scorer than a passer.
#7 - Milos Uzan
Slow paced guard who wants to get into the paint to score. He shoots and makes a surprising number of threes though his game is predominantly paint oriented. He is not a natural point guard, I would love to see Purdue try to speed him up with a rotating cast of CJ Cox, Gicarri Harris, and Myles Colvin.
#4 - LJ Cryer
Cryer is a fantastic shooter that gets a lot of sets run for him to hoist from three. Off the dribble, Cryer has a quick release and is capable of getting to the paint where he has a lethal floater. He doesn't not attack the rim nor does he draw fouls. Purdue has to be disciplined to not over help on Roberts or Uzan and leave Cryer open.
#21 - Emmanuel Sharp
Stop me if I have said this recently, Emmanuel Sharp is criminally underrated in college basketball. He is a fantastic defender who is shooter 42% from three. He is a strong, physical athlete who will do whatever it takes to win. Houston doesn't run many sets for him, he gets his shots in the late clock or in their offensive flow.
Freak athletes playing the second big spot next to Roberts. They both have good touch around the rim but do their damage on the offensive glass. Purdue needs the whole team to keep these guys off the offensive glass.
Slashers, more focused on getting to the rim than shooting from the perimeter. Not gifted passers but they are active off the ball trying to cut or attack closeouts to get into the paint.
Purdue's Keys to the Game
Limit Houston to under 10 offensive rebounds - Every guard has to rebound.
Hold Cryer and Sharp to under 10 points each - Don't overhelp and make the extra rotation.
Allow less than 10 assists - Make Houston play in isolation
Make 3s - Purdue has to take 20+ thress and make 8+
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