Isiah Harwell commits to Houston under Kelvin Sampson

Isiah Harwell, a top-15 senior and five-star guard, announced his commitment to the University of Houston on Thursday. He chose the Cougars over Gonzaga, Texas, and California after taking visits to these schools. Harwell expressed admiration for Coach Kelvin Sampson, highlighting his understanding of what it takes for players to succeed at the next level. During their discussions, Harwell emphasized the importance of defense, noting that playing time at Houston is contingent on defensive performance. Despite the Cougars' interest in having him reclassify and enroll early to recover from a knee injury, Harwell opted to complete his senior year in high school. He appreciated Houston's consistent recruitment during his rehabilitation process, which contributed to his decision. The family atmosphere he experienced during his visit, along with interactions with current players, reinforced his choice. Ranked No. 14 in the 2025 class and the No. 3 shooting guard nationally, Harwell is recognized for his scoring and playmaking abilities. His physical attributes, including a 6-foot-10 wingspan, enhance his potential as a complete guard. This commitment marks a significant achievement for Houston, as Harwell is only the second five-star prospect to join the program since 2012. Additionally, Harwell's commitment continues a trend for the Cougars, who have secured an ESPN 100 prospect in four consecutive classes. This is a notable improvement compared to their previous nine classes, where they signed only one ESPN 100 recruit from 2013 to 2021.