Houston Cougars Among Finalists Set to Host Top 20 Basketball Prospect
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Four-star combo guard Ikenna Alozie has narrowed his recruitment down to eight schools, placing Houston alongside some of the nation’s most recognized basketball programs.
Alabama, Kansas, Gonzaga, Louisville, Kentucky, Arizona, and Washington round out the group that will compete for one of the most gifted guards in the 2026 class.
Visit News: Four-star combo guard Ikenna Alozie has locked in three official visits, source tells @247Sports
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) August 26, 2025
Alabama: September 6th
Kansas: October 16th
Houston: October 23rd
Story: https://t.co/Nz0B6RIntu pic.twitter.com/iKCmbxad8f
Alozie, ranked as a top 20 national prospect, confirmed his new list at the end of June. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard out of Dream City Christian in Arizona has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the country. Known for his elite athleticism and aggressive style of play, he will begin taking official visits this fall as he decides where to spend his college years
The junior guard will kick off his visits at Alabama on September 6 before heading to Kansas on October 16. A week later, Alozie will travel to Houston on October 23, giving the Cougars an important opportunity to leave their mark. Trips to his remaining schools are expected later in the year, setting up what may be one of the most competitive recruitments in the 2026 cycle.
What Makes Alozie Standout Against Other Top Prospects?
Head coach of the Cougars, Kelvin Sampson, has separated himself from other programs in the country with his ability to recruit at an extremely high level. Whether it's in the transfer portal or out of high school, Houston basketball tends to have top prospects on its roster at all times. Based on recent years of recruiting, Houston has the same chances of landing Alozie as any of the elite programs in the country.
Scouting reports describe Alozie as one of the most physically gifted guards in his class. With a 6-foot-6 wingspan, a long stride, and an explosive first step, he has the ability to get downhill and attack defenders with success. That combination of athleticism and size has made him one of the toughest guards to contain on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Beyond his scoring, Alozie has shown value as a two-way player. His length and physicality make him an imposing defender, particularly when picking up full court or applying pressure at the point of attack. He averaged 1.4 steals per game on the EYBL, and his ability to rebound at a high level sets him apart from other guards.
Houston's Opportunity
For Houston, securing an official visit from Alozie emphasizes the program’s continued success as a recruiting power under head coach Kelvin Sampson. With the Cougars joining the Big 12, the program has also positioned itself as a national contender, making it a top choice for high-level recruits all over the country.
Landing Alozie would not only help solidify Houston’s backcourt depth but also send a message about the Cougars’ ability to win recruiting battles against traditional blue bloods. While Alabama, Kansas, and others might make strong cases to land the high-level prospect, Houston’s winning culture and success with player development give them a legitimate chance to stay in the race deep into his recruitment.
