Ranking the best all-time NBA players from the University of Houston
April 1, 2021
After three long decades, the University of Houston is back in the NCAA Final Four. College basketball fans today probably don’t even remember the last time that the Cougars made any real waves in the NCAA Tournament, but when they did, they really did. They left an imprint on the NBA.
If we are talking about NBA-level talent, U of H was an absolute powerhouse in the 1980’s, and while they haven’t shown up lately, it is only appropriate that we celebrate and respect their legacy in the annals of NBA and college basketball lore. These are the greatest NBA players (and coolest names) from the University of Houston.
– Quentin Grimes (Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team)
– DeJon Jarreau (Defensive Player of the Year, All-Conference Second Team)
– Justin Gorham (Most Improved Player, All-Conference Second Team)
– Marcus Sasser (All-Conference Second Team)
“I’m so happy I was able to win the award,” Grimes told reporters on Wednesday afternoon during a Zoom meeting. “All credit goes to coach Sampson, my teammates, (just) pushing us every day, coming to work, and just putting me in the best position possible.”
Grimes is the first UH player to win conference player of the year honors since Bo Outlaw in 1993. These players are two of just seven that have won this honor in program history. The other five are Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Michael Young, Rob Williams and Otis Birdsong.