Texas Tech basketball: Scouting the Houston Cougars

The Cougars are without starting forward Fabian White Jr.

Houston might be a bit compromised inside this year.  That’s because 6-foot-8 forward Fabian White Jr. is out for the year with a torn ACL.

"“I feel badly for Fabian,” head coach Kelvin Sampson said when the injury occurred back in May. “He had worked really hard to have a great senior season. Our thoughts are with him and his family, and we will do all we can to help him recover and have a great senior season in 2021-22.”"

Unfortunately for White, his injury was sustained while working out on his own.  Now, he’s redshirting as he looks for a return in 2021-22.

White started all 31 games last year.  He averaged 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as one of the best big men in the AAC.

His absence might give Tech a significant advantage inside thanks to Marcus Santos-Silva who has impressed thus far in his two games as a Red Raider.  He’s averaging 11 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season and he’s given Tech a true inside presence on both ends of the floor.

Keep an eye on how Tech fares in the paint today with White out of action.  Without him, 6-foot-7 forward J’Wan Roberts, who has 20 rebounds on the year already, will be one of Houston’s primary inside presences, and his battle with Santos-Silva will be key.