Meyer steps up as Cougars make late-season surge
Afew months back, Kyle Meyer put together a parody video of trick shots.
It’s that type of shot selection — any from beyond the 3-point line — that would make University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson cringe and have a spot on the bench waiting for the 6-10 senior center.
“The assistant coaches will say if you are open, be confident, take the shot and make the shot,” Meyer said. “Coach Sampson’s philosophy is make the shot or you are coming out (of the game).”
Even Sampson had to crack a joke after Meyer made a 3-pointer in Wednesday’s 75-70 comeback win over Connecticut at Hofheinz Pavilion.
“Old habit,” Meyer said, keeping a straight face.
The 3-pointer was part of a breakout game for Meyer, who had nine points and a career-high 11 rebounds in 31 minutes in what Sampson called his “best game since he’s been here.”
“He had a dunk, a 3-point shot, took a charge and had 11 rebounds in one night,” Sampson said. “I told him if he retired tomorrow we’d probably put his picture up on the wall somewhere around here.”
All kidding aside, Meyer has put together some of his best performances late in the season as the Cougars (19-8, 10-5 American Athletic Conference) keep alive hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid. A win Sunday at Memphis — along with a win by Cincinnati over Central Florida — would guarantee the Cougars the No. 3 seed and first-round bye in next month’s AAC tournament.
The journey has not been easy for Meyer, who, unhappy with his role, left Iowa after two seasons and found his way to Eastern Florida State College. All along, Meyer thought he was better suited to play power forward instead of inside at the post.
“My first year (at UH), it was a struggle to find my role,” Meyer said. “Coach Sampson really had an idea what he wanted me to do, and I had a different idea what I wanted to do. I thought I was a shooter at one point and that turned out not to be true.”
For his size, Meyer is no slouch from long range. He made 38 percent (38-of101) on 3-point attempts in his only season at Eastern Florida State College. His 3-pointer against UConn was his second in 13 attempts this season.
“There is no reason for me to be out there (shooting 3s),” Meyer said regarding the presence of two of the league’s top scorers in Rob Gray and Damyean Dotson.
“Kyle is a good player, by far our best five man,” Sampson said. “He hasn’t played well throughout his career, but I think you saw against UConn what he can be.”
Sampson said Meyer is growing into a leadership role expected of a senior.
“Kyle has been up and down with his play,” Sampson said. “When you’re not playing well it’s hard to lead.”
With the regular season entering the final week, Meyer said work remains.
“I want to leave a mark on this school,” he said. “This school deserves to try and get to the NCAA Tournament.”