Men’s Basketball Fans Encouraged to Donate Books for Drive

HOUSTON – As the University of Houston Men's Basketball program prepares for its exhibition opener against Montana Tech next week, Cougar fans are encouraged to donate books at that game.

The Cougars play host to Montana Tech at 7 p.m., Thursday, inside Fertitta Center.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Kelvin Sampson, who begins his 13^th season at Houston in 2026-27, the Cougars are joining Commuter Ambassadors and the UH Dean of Students office for the Cougar Book Drive.

This initiative will help deliver books to the hands of children in the Third Ward and surrounding community. Fans will be able to drop off their book donations at tables by the ticket scanners inside Fertitta Center as they walk in.

In addition to the Fertitta Center doors, fans also are able to make book donations at the UH Children's Learning Center, the Dean of Students Office in Student Center South and the UH Police Department.

BUY EXHIBITION TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets for this exhibition game for only $10 with all seats (except courtside) available for purchase by clicking here and following the appropriate links.

To purchase parking passes and for the parking map for this exhibition game, fans may click here.

Current University of Houston students may claim their tickets by clicking here.

ABOUT the COUGARS
Forward Joseph Tugler highlights four lettermen returning from the 2025-26 team, which went 30-7 and tied the NCAA Division I record with its fifth straight 30-win season.

After averaging 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and a team-high 1.8 blocks per game, Tugler earned Big 12 Conference All-Tournament Team honors and was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. The Monroe, La., native also was named a finalist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Award for presented by MOLECULE and to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, each for the second straight season.

Junior guard Mercy Miller, sophomore forward Chase McCarty and sophomore guard Kordel Jefferson also return for the Cougars. Miller scored a career-high 15 points in a home win over New Orleans and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team while McCarty scored a career-best 20 points with six 3-pointers in a Big 12 road win at Oklahoma State to cap the regular season.

Jefferson was sidelined by a knee injury early in the season but returns after successful surgery and rehabilitation.

That veteran group will be joined by an eight-man newcomer class with freshman guard Ikenna Aloze, freshman center Arafan Diané, freshman center Djafar Silimana, junior forward Braden East, graduate guard Corey Hadnot II, graduate forward Delrecco Gillespie, senior guard Dedan Thomas Jr., freshman guard Tyus Thomas and graduate guard Chendall Weaver.

BUY SEASON TICKETS
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.

Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.

– UHCougars.com –

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