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"He knows what it takes": 5-Star guard Isiah Harwell cites Houston Cougars HC Kelvin Sampson as a major reason for his commitment
Isiah Harwell, a standout 5-star shooting guard from Wasatch Academy in Utah, committed to the University of Houston on Thursday. Harwell, regarded as the top shooting guard and No. 10 overall recruit in the 2025 class by 247Sports, picked Houston over several prestigious programs, including Texas and Gonzaga.
Houston's coach, Kelvin Sampson, greatly influenced his decision, whose coaching approach and player development left a strong impression on Harwell.
"Coach Sampson is a cool dude," Harwell told ESPN. "He knows what it takes for players to reach the next level, we talked about that. I need to shoot 38-40% from 3, average six or seven rebounds and play defense on the opponent's best perimeter player. He said if you don't play defense you won't play at Houston."
Harwell suffered a knee injury midway through his junior season at Wasatch Academy, causing him to miss the summer grassroots circuit. Despite this, Houston’s coaching staff maintained consistent communication and were patient throughout his recovery.
Isiah Harwell was even offered the possibility of reclassifying and enrolling a year early to redshirt but he ultimately decided to stay in high school for his senior year. Houston’s family-oriented culture and Sampson’s unwavering support during his injury were pivotal factors in Harwell’s decision.
"Houston was very consistent recruiting me during my injury and rehab," Harwell said. "On my visit it was a family atmosphere. I got to spend a lot of time with the players, and we ended up sitting around and they were talking [about] how they all arrived at Houston. Their culture is real."
Harwell joins the ranks of elite recruits under Sampson, following in the footsteps of 2023 No. 8 overall pick Jarace Walker.
Houston’s winning culture and coaching seal commitment of 5-star Isiah Harwell
Isiah Harwell, the top shooting guard in the country, cited the culture and coaching staff as key reasons for his decision.
"I chose Houston because the culture fit. I feel like I can thrive and succeed there and I believe in Coach Sampson and the whole staff," Harwell told Joe Tipton of On3.
"Coach Sampson has a way with speaking that just makes me motivated and ready to play. He also has a lot of experience and knows what he's looking for."
Before a knee injury sidelined him during his junior year, Isiah Harwell showcased his talent by averaging 16.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over six games on the EYBL Scholastic circuit. He also helped the USA Basketball U16 team secure a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in 2023.
Isiah Harwell's commitment marks a major win for the Cougars, as he is their first pledge in the 2025 class and only the second five-star recruit to commit to Houston since 2012, following Jarace Walker in 2022.
Harwell's decision also continues Houston’s streak of landing ESPN 100 prospects in four consecutive recruiting classes.
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