Wait, which "UH" are we actually talking about? Because honestly, if you're a college hoops junkie, you've probably noticed that both the Houston Cougars and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors carry that shorthand. It’s kinda confusing when you’re just trying to figure out who’s starting at point guard this Saturday.
Let's break down the UH men's basketball roster for both squads because, let's be real, they're both having pretty fascinating seasons in 2026. Houston is basically a buzzsaw in the Big 12 right now, while Hawaii is doing that thing where they bring in a bunch of transfers and suddenly look like a nightmare to play in Honolulu.
The Houston Cougars: Kelvin Sampson’s Defensive Fortress
If you’ve watched Houston lately, you know the drill. They’re going to hit you. A lot. They lead the nation in scoring defense—allowing a measly 59.3 points per game. It’s basically like trying to score in a phone booth against three guys who haven't slept in a week.
The 2025-26 roster is a wild mix of veteran "culture guys" and some of the highest-rated recruits the program has ever landed.
The Backcourt Leaders
Emanuel Sharp is the engine. He's a redshirt senior now, and the dude is just a bucket. He’s averaging nearly 16 points a game and shooting the cover off the ball. Then you have Milos Uzan, the senior transfer who basically lives on the floor, logging over 32 minutes a night. He’s that steady hand every championship-caliber team needs.
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But the real story? Kingston Flemings.
The kid is a freshman, but he doesn't play like one. He’s already dishing out over five assists a game and has basically taken over the starting point guard role. It’s rare to see a freshman thrive in Kelvin Sampson’s system because the defensive requirements are so mental, but Flemings is different.
The Bigs and the New Blood
Down low, Joseph Tugler is a nightmare. He's the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. He averages 2.1 steals and 1.5 blocks. That’s absurd for a forward. He’s joined by Chris Cenac Jr., a 6'11" freshman who was a consensus five-star recruit. Cenac is already leading the team in rebounding at 7.6 per game.
Basically, the UH men's basketball roster in Houston is built to ruin your day.
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The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: The Island’s New Look
Now, let's flip the script to the 808. Eran Ganot is in his 11th season, and he basically hit the "refresh" button on the roster via the transfer portal. It’s a bit of a localized "All-Star" team of guys who wanted a fresh start in paradise.
The New Faces in Honolulu
Hawaii’s success this year is leaning heavily on Isaac Johnson, the 7-foot senior from Utah State. He’s been a revelation, averaging about 13 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting an incredible 90.2% from the free-throw line. You don't see 7-footers do that very often.
Then there’s Dre Bullock. He came over from South Dakota and has brought some serious athleticism to the wing. He’s scoring nearly 12 points a game and is one of those guys who can just jump over you if you're not careful.
Guard Play and Depth
Hunter Erickson and Aaron Hunkin-Claytor are handling the backcourt duties. Erickson is a veteran who knows how to move the ball, while Hunkin-Claytor—a local kid from Wahiawa—is really coming into his own as a sophomore.
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One guy people keep sleeping on is Harry Rouhliadeff. He’s a 6'9" senior who can actually shoot the three (38.3%). That's the "secret sauce" for Hawaii; they have bigs who can actually space the floor, which makes them really hard to scout.
What Most People Get Wrong About the UH Rosters
A lot of people think Houston is just "toughness" and no skill. That’s garbage. Look at Mercy Miller. He’s a sophomore guard who was a high-profile recruit, and while his minutes are a bit lower because the roster is so deep, his talent is through the roof.
On the Hawaii side, people think they’re just a "mid-major" that gets lucky at home. But this 2025-26 group has real size. When you’re starting a 7-footer and have 6'10" Yacine Toumi coming off the bench, you’re not a "small" team.
Why the Keyword "UH Men's Basketball Roster" Matters Now
Whether you're looking for the Big 12 powerhouse or the Big West contender, the rosters are deeper than they've been in years. Houston is currently sitting at 16-1 and ranked in the top 10. Hawaii is sitting at 12-3 and looks like a serious threat to win their conference.
The common thread? Both programs have mastered the "Age of the Portal."
Houston brought in Milos Uzan and Kalifa Sakho to fill specific gaps. Hawaii brought in almost an entire starting lineup of transfers. It's the new reality of college basketball, and honestly, it's making the games a lot more interesting.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Freshman: If you're a Houston fan, keep an eye on Isiah Harwell. He’s a five-star who is slowly getting more minutes as he learns the system.
- Check the Shooting: For Hawaii, watch Isaac Finlinson off the bench. He's shooting 45% from three on limited attempts. If he gets hot, Hawaii is unbeatable.
- The Tugler Effect: When watching Houston, don't just look at the ball. Watch Joseph Tugler's positioning. He shuts down entire halves of the court just by existing.
If you’re trying to keep track of everyone, the best move is to bookmark the official athletic sites, but keep in mind that the depth charts are fluid. Injuries to guys like Jacob McFarland (Houston) have already shifted how these rotations work.
To stay ahead of the game, focus on the "Minutes Per Game" stat rather than just points; it tells you exactly who the coaches trust when the game is on the line. For Houston, that's Uzan and Sharp. For Hawaii, it's Johnson and Erickson.