5 Shocking Facts About Sam Houston Basketball You Didn't Know: From CUSA Title To NBA Alums
The Sam Houston Bearkats men's basketball program, based in Huntsville, Texas, is poised for a crucial chapter in its history, navigating the competitive landscape of Conference USA (CUSA) with a mix of championship pedigree and a hungry, new-look roster for the 2025-2026 season.
As of December 15, 2025, the Bearkats are looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024-2025 campaign and recapture the magic of their recent title-winning form. Led by Head Coach Chris Mudge, the program is built on a foundation of defensive toughness and a commitment to winning, making them one of the most intriguing mid-major teams to follow in college basketball.
Head Coach Chris Mudge: Biography and Coaching Profile
The Sam Houston Bearkats are currently guided by Head Coach Chris Mudge, a pillar of stability and a testament to internal promotion within the program.
- Full Name: Chris Mudge
- Born: June 15, 1984
- Hometown: N/A
- Alma Mater: Texas (2006)
- Coaching Role: Head Men's Basketball Coach, Sam Houston Bearkats
- Date Promoted to Head Coach: April 4, 2023
- Previous Role at SHSU: Mudge was the first hire to former head coach Jason Hooten's staff in 2010, serving as an assistant for over a decade.
- Career Head Coaching Record (Major Schools): 39-34 (.534 W-L%) through three years, all at Sam Houston.
- Notable Achievements: Guided the Bearkats to the Conference USA (CUSA) Regular Season Championship in his first season (2023–24).
Mudge’s promotion to the 20th head coach of the Sam Houston men's basketball program was a natural progression, having been with the team through one of its most successful stretches in program history since 2010.
The Shocking CUSA Title and Recent Season Review
The Bearkats have proven they can compete at the highest level of their conference, highlighted by one of the most surprising title runs in recent years.
The 2023–24 CUSA Championship Season
In Chris Mudge's inaugural season as head coach, the Sam Houston Bearkats defied expectations to capture the Conference USA Regular Season Championship.
- Record: The team finished the 2023–24 season with an impressive 21–12 overall record.
- Conference Dominance: Their CUSA record was a dominant 13–3, securing the top seed in the postseason tournament.
- Key Victory: The Bearkats clinched the title with a pivotal 72-66 victory over Louisiana Tech.
This championship demonstrated the program's immediate ability to transition and succeed in its new conference affiliation, proving the Bearkats were an instant contender in CUSA.
The 2024–25 Season: A Rebuilding Year
The following season presented a significant challenge, as the Bearkats faced a difficult schedule and a roster turnover.
- Record: The 2024–25 season concluded with a 13-19 overall record.
- Conference Standing: They finished 9th in the CUSA men's basketball standings with a 6-12 conference record.
- Statistical Profile: The team averaged 75.3 points per game (PS/G) but struggled defensively, allowing 76.0 points per game (PA/G).
Despite the setback, the season was a crucial learning experience for the program, setting the stage for the 2025-2026 campaign.
The 2025-2026 Bearkats: Roster, Transfers, and Outlook
The 2025-2026 Sam Houston Bearkats men's basketball roster shows a concerted effort by Coach Mudge to inject new talent and experience into the lineup, aiming for a quick return to the top of CUSA.
Key Roster Additions and Returners
The Bearkats’ success will heavily rely on the performance of their returning and newly acquired players, especially a significant transfer addition.
- Impact King (Guard): A major transfer acquisition who previously played for North Carolina Central. King averaged 16.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the 2024-2025 season and is expected to be an immediate offensive force for Sam Houston.
- Damon Nicholas Jr. (Guard): A junior player listed on the 2025-2026 roster.
- CJ Beaumont (Guard): A junior returner with one letter (1L) of experience.
- Noah Benny (Guard): A freshman guard joining the team for the 2025-2026 season.
Other key entities on the 2025-2026 roster include Jackson Rogers, Jacob Walker, and Jacobe, all of whom will be vital for depth and consistency.
The Road Ahead: 2025-2026 Schedule Highlights
The Bearkats’ schedule is set to challenge the team early in the season, preparing them for the rigors of Conference USA play.
- Conference Affiliation: Sam Houston will compete as a third-year member of Conference USA (CUSA).
- Early Matchups: The schedule includes an away game at NM State on December 21, 2025.
- Home Court: All home games will be played at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville, Texas, an arena known as one of the toughest places to play.
The team’s performance in early December CUSA games, following a loss to Liberty (76-68) in a previous season's opener, will be critical in determining their momentum for the rest of the year.
Sam Houston Basketball Program History and NCAA Runs
To understand the current Bearkats program, one must appreciate its history, which includes multiple conference championships and rare appearances on college basketball's biggest stage.
NCAA Tournament Appearances
The Sam Houston men's basketball program has made two appearances in the NCAA Division I Tournament.
- 2003 Appearance: The Bearkats earned their first trip under coach Bob Marlin, entering the tournament as a No. 14 or 15 seed.
- 2010 Appearance: Their second appearance came after winning the 2010 Southland Conference Post-Season Classic, where they finished the season 25-7 overall and 14-2 in the Southland Conference.
While the Bearkats are still chasing their first NCAA Tournament victory (0-2 record), these appearances define the program’s ceiling and serve as a goal for the current team.
Notable Alumni and Entities
The program has produced players who have gone on to professional careers, contributing to the school's topical authority and legacy.
- Qua Grant: A recent notable alumnus who played for the Bearkats from 2022-2023 and currently plays professional basketball in Israel.
- Early NBA Players: Frank Gates (G) and Murray Mitchell (GF) are listed among the former Sam Houston players who reached the NBA in the late 1940s.
- Conference History: Before joining CUSA, the Bearkats were prominent members of the Southland Conference and the Lone Star Conference, winning multiple regular-season and tournament championships.
With a foundation built on past success in the Southland Conference and the recent CUSA Regular Season Championship under Chris Mudge, the Sam Houston Bearkats are a program with a clear path forward: returning to the top of Conference USA and securing an elusive NCAA Tournament bid. The 2025-2026 season is the next step in that journey.
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