Penders' Cougars win THIS Season

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

September 27, 2004

Winning days and winning ways are returning to the University of Houston and Hofheinz Pavilion. Tom Penders, new head coach of the Houston Cougars' men's basketball team, is changing the attitude, the mindset, the style of play, and the expectations for the men's basketball program. I'm a member of the media; so, I'm not going to turn into a cheerleader and begin gushing about Coach Penders nor am I seeing things through "Cougar colored glasses". However, I do believe the 2004 - 2005 team will win 17 or 18 (at least) games this season and begin restoring pride into a proud basketball tradition which has lay dormant for far too long.

First, as a Cougar alum, it took me a few moments to accept the idea of Tom Penders as coach of the Cougars. Why you ask? The man was head coach at the University of Texas for goodness sakes! But, I digress. Tom Penders is a great motivator, communicator, and salesman. Each of those qualities will be needed in order to erase the apathy which has engulfed Cougars' basketball the last decade or so.

Tom Penders' coaching style is an uptempo, run and gun philosophy which young players (high school, junior college, and college) love to play. Plus, the fast-paced style excites the fans, too, which is very important when you're trying to replace many of those empty seats with actual bodies.

Though I spent most of my summer covering the Houston Comets, I've kept tabs on the Cougars. I've heard great things about newcomer Chris Lawson, 6'4", 210, from Southwest LA College as well as each of the young men who comprise the "Midland College connection": Sergio de Randamie, 6'7", 240; Brian Latham, 6'1", 185; and Englebert "Bert" Cherrington, 6'7", 235. I've talked with returning point guard Lanny Smith and Lanny is very anxious and excited to get the season started. Lanny loves Coach Penders' style of play as well as his aggressive attitude. Lanny, without bad mouthing his big men from last season, told me "Our big guys this year can play!" Lanny and backcourt mate Andre Owens should truly excel playing for Coach Penders this season.

All summer I've heard nothing but positives and rave reviews regarding Dwight Jones II. In fact, Coach Penders was one of the first people to speak so glowingly of Dwight's improved game and attitude; and, Tom mentioned this on KCOH Sports Rap for everyone to hear. Tom Penders is not shy; and, he's stated on more than one occasion, this year's team will be playing in the NCAA Tournament in 2005. I'm not convinced of that, just yet; but, I do believe this team will get close to "dancing" this season.

This year's Cougars' squad does not have a 7-footer; but, the roster is filled with size and strength up front. Athletic guys are up and down the roster. Guard play will be the strength of the club; and, each and every player will be in shape and better conditioned than they have ever been before because Coach Penders will not have it any other way.

The schedule is not a cake walk by any means. Conference USA games versus Louisville, Cincinnati, UAB, DePaul, and Marquette will be very challenging; so, in order to convince fickle fans the program is headed in the right direction, winning some of those games will definitely help. Plus, beating Rice is important, too. (This season's UH - Rice game could be one of the most exciting games in the series in quite a few years.)

Hofheinz Pavilion is currently being renovated with a new basketball court. New coach, new court, new attitude. Different results (from the last few years), too. Tom Penders is in the right place at the right time. The winning ways are right around the corner. Practice starts in October. The wins begin in November.