The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

HEADED into his senior year, Danrad Knowles was one of the team leaders to address issues surrounding the Houston Cougars men’s basketball programme on media day.

Knowles, who averaged six points and 3.7 rebounds per game as a junior last season, addressed everything from the changes in this year’s squad to strength of schedule to his role as an emerging leader.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve developed over time, and that’s a big plus. We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re going to get there,” Knowles said.

“[Learning from head coach Calvin Sampson] It’s been hard, but all you’ve to do is take it and learn from it. Just suck it up. There’s not much you can do but listen and learn. He’s made me more mentally tough and intense. Hopefully you don’t see me spaz on the court. It’s going to be a fun season.”

The Cougars are returning eight players from last season, three of whom started at least 20 games. Five of the eight are seniors who will use their past experience on the team to lead the younger players.

The Cougars have a strong non-conference schedule including SEC matchups against Arkansas and LSU.

“It’s going to be a test. We’ve got to win the games first, so I’ll let you know when we win the games. If we win the games, it’ll be a big help to us. It’ll boost us a lot more and give us a better résumé. For us to test ourselves and see where we are at offensively and defensively because (Rhode Island) beat us last year at their place. Plus, they’re top 25 team this year, so it’s going to be a good test for us to see where we’re at,” he said.

“We can’t be losing at home. We have to go out with a bang and this is my last season too. I’m trying to enjoy it as much as possible. [The crowd at home, it’s a lot. It’s like the sixth man for us. We can feel their energy on the floor. We need the fans’ support, but we also need to win to increase the fan support. Most of the time it has been just our families, the band and the cheerleaders supporting us. We’d really like the fan support to bring that energy and intensity for us. It’s a big deal.”

The Cougars will begin their season on November 11 against Morgan State. They finished last season with a 22-8 win/loss record. Despite the fact the Cougars were solid throughout the regular season, they suffered a disappointing 81-62 loss to Georgia Tech in the first round of the NIT tournament.

“It gives us confidence, but it’s also a new season. We have to step up more and improve. We need to keep winning those big games so we can expand more,” he said. “I’ve just tried to help [my teammates] when they’re down. You’re going to get down sometimes. I want to lift my teammates up when they are down and help them any way I can. Keep your head up. Don’t get too high or too low.”