Houston Cougars and others face a crossroads as the NCAA considers allowing Charles Bediako to return to Alabama after NBA draft attempts. Should Houston chase similar returning players, or stick to building through elite high school talent and transfer targets? Parker Ainsworth argues for the latter, breaking down why embracing the Bediako trend could hurt college basketball’s competitive balance.

Recruiting heats up with five-star wing Caleb Holt’s decision looming—will Houston secure this top prospect, or turn to the transfer portal to bridge future roster gaps? Key topics include Houston’s 2026 recruiting class, prospects like Ikenna Alozie and Arafan Diane, and the squad’s pivotal showdown against Texas Tech, with major Big 12 title implications. Can Houston start to separate from the pack and claim conference dominance? Don’t miss expert analysis on the Cougars’ strategy for sustainable success.

0:00 – Bediako NCAA Return
9:54 – Caleb Holt Recruiting
20:15 – Houston vs Texas Tech Preview

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Sampson vs. Hurley: Coogs Hold Court at the Fertitta Center!

Houston Cougars blitz Arizona State Sun Devils with a relentless offensive surge, raising the question: Can anyone in the Big 12 stop Kelvin Sampson's squad? Parker Ainsworth breaks down the Cougars’ dominant 103-73 victory, spotlighting breakout performances from Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac, and Milos Uzan. Chris Cenac’s early three-point barrage and Kingston Flemings’ explosive 20-point, 8-assist night set the tone, while JoJo Tugler and Isaiah Harwell add crucial contributions on both ends.

Key discussions include Houston's balanced attack, defensive adjustments against Arizona State’s defense, and the strategic evolution of the Cougars’ offense with all five starters as scoring threats. The podcast also previews the looming Big 12 battle against Texas Tech—last year’s lone conference loss for the Cougars—and evaluates the squad’s readiness for the brutal upcoming schedule. Will this hot start propel Houston to the top of the conference, or are greater challenges on the horizon?

0:00 – Houston's Hot Start
9:00 – Shooting Regression & Turnovers
14:10 – Fan/Listener Q&A
19:15 – Big 12 Schedule Preview
23:00 – Bench Depth & Rotation
25:45 – Defensive Connectivity & Nightcaps
27:35 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Everydayer Club
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Houston Cougars eye a flawless record as they prepare to battle a dangerous Arizona State squad—but can their elite defense and dynamic frontcourt maintain dominance against ASU’s sharpshooters and imposing bigs? Parker Ainsworth spotlights the pivotal matchups, from Massamba Diop’s paint presence to the guard trio of Anthony Johnson, Mo Odum, and the returning Bryce Ford, with a sharp look at how Emanuel Sharp and Houston’s athletic length could tilt the contest.

Off the court, attention turns to the Cougars’ storied legacy as Dwight Davis receives a long-awaited jersey retirement. Parker Ainsworth explores Davis’s impact, the significance of jersey honors, and debates which current or recent Houston stars could be next to join the rafters. Don’t miss this action-packed breakdown of Houston’s Big 12 ambitions, the evolving culture, and the celebrations shaping Cougar basketball history.

0:00 — Houston vs. Arizona State
10:50 — Houston Advantages Breakdown
20:35 — Jersey Retirement & Legacy

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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