The University of Houston landed one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting class in Isiah Harwell, a 6-foot-5, 5-star shooting guard from Wasatch Academy. Known for his polished all-around game and elite two-way potential, Harwell headlines one of the most talented freshman classes in Cougar history and is expected to make an immediate impact in Kelvin Sampson’s rotation.
A Proven Winner at Wasatch Academy
Harwell wrapped up his senior year at national powerhouse Wasatch Academy with a standout season, leading his squad to a 25-4 record and a coveted berth in the 2024 Chipotle Nationals. His stat line was as efficient as it was impactful:
• 17.4 points per game
• 5.3 rebounds
• 3.1 assists
• 1.1 steals
He showed the ability to score at all three levels, thrive in transition, and anchor his team defensively—traits that make him college-ready from day one.
Harwell’s Role in Year One
With Houston losing key veterans and retooling for another deep tournament run, Harwell will likely be plugged in as a starter or sixth man who logs heavy minutes on the wing. His versatility fits perfectly into Coach Sampson’s physical, defensive-minded system. Expect him to:
• Guard multiple positions on the perimeter
• Initiate offense off the dribble
• Knock down open threes
• Finish in traffic
What sets Harwell apart isn’t just his scoring, it’s his commitment to defense. He competes hard on every possession, closes out with purpose, and has the length and IQ to disrupt opposing guards—traits that have been the foundation of Houston’s recent success.
A Dynamic Freshman Duo
Harwell won’t be alone in shouldering the pressure of high expectations. He’ll share the floor with fellow 5-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr., a long, athletic forward who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. Together, they form one of the most intriguing freshman duos in college basketball—balanced, unselfish, and already battle-tested against elite high school competition.
The chemistry between Harwell and Cenac Jr. will be key. If they can complement each other offensively and bring energy defensively, Houston could become one of the most dangerous teams in the nation by March.
Can Houston Make a Championship Run?
After falling short in recent NCAA Tournaments, Houston is hungry to break through. With the addition of Harwell and Cenac Jr., the Cougars are reloading—not rebuilding.
If Harwell continues his trajectory as a two-way leader, hitting big shots and locking down opposing scorers, he could be the X-factor Houston needs to return to the Final Four and make a legitimate run at the NCAA Championship.
Bottom Line: Isiah Harwell has the game, mindset, and pedigree to be special. Houston fans should get excited—because the Cougars just got a lot more dangerous.
