Injuries start to leave a mark
Two weeks from the start of conference play, the University of Houston is dealing with its share of injuries, some more serious than others.
“This time of year, everybody is banged up,” coach Kelvin Sampson said as the No. 14 Cougars (8-2) prepare to host Louisiana-Lafayette (5-4) on Tuesday night at Fertitta Center. “We’re beat up right now.”
The two most serious injuries involve forward Reggie Chaney, who has played most of the season with a hurt left hand, and guard Tramon Mark, who aggravated his left shoulder in Saturday’s 83-82 loss to Alabama.
“I’m worried about Reggie’s hand,” Sampson said. “The guy I’m probably worried about the most is Tramon.”
Chaney does not need surgery on the hand, so there is no risk of any longterm issues, Sampson said. In the meantime, Chaney has played with the hand bandaged and has been given rest when possible.
After missing three games to begin the season, Mark is averaging 10.1 points off the bench since rejoining the team. He reinjured the shoulder early in the first half Saturday while making a block on an inbounds play. He finished the game scoreless, going 0-for-6 from the floor in 18 minutes. Sampson declined to say whether Mark will be forced to miss any time.
“We’re just in discussion right now,” he said.
Sampson said injuries — particularly wear and tear to shoulders, knees, ankles, hips and hands — have become more common with offseason programs starting in June and around-theclock opportunities for players to be in the gym.
“Kids are working harder on their games than they’ve ever have because of time and resources,” said Sampson, who added: “We’re all a sprained ankle away from
mediocrity.”
Sampson putting loss in rear view
Two days after the game, Sampson had few words when asked if he had any additional thoughts about the controversial ending to Saturday’s 83-82 loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
“No, I’ve moved on,” he said.
On the final play, Sampson thought JD Davison should have been called for goaltending and that the play should have been reviewed. In a follow-up question, Sampson was asked if he would like to see the rule change that would have allowed for a review. “Sure,” he said.
Ragin’ Cajuns not lacking in size
Louisiana -Lafayette will offer one of the toughest size challenges for the Cougars when the teams meet.
The Ragin’ Cajuns feature three players at least 6-10, led by Jordan Brown, a 6-11, 225-pound transfer from Arizona. Brown was the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year in 2020-21. A consensus five-star prep recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Brown began his collegiate career at Nevada.
In his last game, Brown had a career-high 30 points in a loss to Louisiana Tech. He totaled 16 points and 16 rebounds against McNeese State.
Louisiana-Lafayette also features 6-10 forward Isaiah Richards and 6-11 forward Theo Akwuba, along with 6-9 forward Dou Gueye.
“They are huge,” Sampson said. “It’s one of the biggest teams we’ve seen.”
Sampson said the Cougars must also be mindful of guard Greg Williams ,a transfer from St. John’s, and guard Kentrell Garnett, who is shooting 52.4 percent from 3-point range.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are coached by Bob Marlin, who has 557 victories in his career, which includes 12 seasons at Sam Houston.
“I’ve always admired coach Marlin over the years,” Sampson said. “He does an outstanding job coaching his team. Talented kids, athletic, they play hard, play the right way.”
Ex-star Grimes shining in NBA
Sampson was in a staff meeting Sunday when informed that former UH All-American Quentin Grimes was on his way to 27 points for the New York Knicks in his first NBA start.
Grimes had seven 3pointers, a Knicks rookie record, in a 112-97 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I think Quentin was more upset about the game we played (against Alabama) than he was excited about his game,” Sampson said of his later conversation with Grimes. “I told him, ‘Don’t worry about that one, hoss. That one is gone.’ ”