The Houston Cougars Should Target This Player In The Transfer Portal

Houston basketball’s 2025-26 campaign has come to a close, which means that the roster is going to look entirely different for the upcoming season.

Head coach Kevin Sampson has a specific system he likes to use when recruiting players, and he looks for certain skills and traits that fit the way he operates his program.

No one truly knows what is in store for this Cougars roster next season and how many open spots there could be that need to be filled but after guard Isiah Harwell made the decision to hit the transfer portal, there is going to be at least one position to fill and it could lead to convincing one of the hottest names on the market so far to join Sampson and Co.

It’s Stefan Vaaks.

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Stefan Vaaks Providence Friars. — Jan 24, 2026; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) drives the ball to the basket against Georgetown Hoyas guard KJ Lewis (5) during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

As a freshman, Vaaks was one of the most impressive players the Big East witnessed throughout the collegiate basketball season, coming to play for the Friars as a 4-star recruit heavily sought after by former head coach King English.

After Providence went in a different direction and hired Bryan Hodgson from USF, it likely factored into the decision to throw his name into the portal, which has a ton of players like him exploring their options for next season.

It’s not an easy thing to do as a young player who is moving to a new place that they might not be accustomed to being at, but with the high-caliber shooting abilities that Vaaks has and the interest in joining a different program, this is the best time for Sampson to hop on giving Vaaks a phone call that the Cougars could be a fit.

In the limited time he has played college basketball, he has quickly made a name for himself, as his skill set has been highly noticed. He’s known to be good at the pick-and-roll, can knock down shots from downtown, and has notable patience that could be a great fit in Houston.

Vaaks has a quick release and is disciplined with his ball-handling and awareness. He is crafty when he maneuvers around the floor and is great at skipping the ball around defenders, and will make mid-range shots, just like the Cougars are known for, at least in this past season.

During the season, the native of Tabasalu, Estonia, averaged 15.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and that only improves when he finds the right fit. From the field, he shot 40.3 percent and could launch the ball from beyond the arc at 35 percent.

Sounds like a great fit for the Cougars, but does Sampson agree, and can he persuade Vaaks to play for the city?