Houston Christian Basketball enters 2026–27 with a refreshed roster and a promising start. Representing Houston Christian University (HCU), the Huskies compete in NCAA Division I and the Southland Conference. Here’s a closer look at their schedule, players, coaches, and recent results.
What Is Houston Christian Basketball?
Houston Christian Basketball represents Houston Christian University, formerly Houston Baptist University. The team plays non-conference opponents before and during its Southland Conference schedule. HCU also has a women’s basketball program, but this overview focuses on the men’s Huskies in 2026–27.
The Huskies wear royal blue and orange and play home games at Sharp Gymnasium. They regularly face regional opponents from Texas and Louisiana. HCU is separate from the University of Houston Cougars, a Big 12 program.
Team Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Houston Christian University |
| Team nickname | Huskies |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Division | NCAA Division I |
| Conference | Southland Conference |
| Home court | Sharp Gymnasium |
| Head coach | Craig Doty |
| Team colors | Royal blue and orange |
HCU has undergone major personnel changes. Only D’Aundre Samuels and Mambourou Mara returned from last season, joined by 13 newcomers, including 11 transfers. Building chemistry quickly will be essential against tougher opponents.
Houston Christian Basketball Schedule 2026–27
HCU opened November with a 108–45 win over Louisiana Christian, followed by victories against Western Illinois (74–67) and South Dakota (87–76). Its 3–0 start was the program’s first since 2005–06, an encouraging sign for the new-look team.
Upcoming games include several home dates and challenging road trips. These selected fixtures are drawn from the official HCU schedule.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 13, 2026 | College of Biblical Studies | Home |
| Nov. 19, 2026 | Georgia Southern | Home |
| Nov. 24, 2026 | Louisiana-Monroe | Away |
| Nov. 30, 2026 | Western Illinois | Home |
| Dec. 5, 2026 | McNeese | Away |
| Dec. 22, 2026 | TCU | Away |
| Dec. 29, 2026 | Oklahoma State | Away |
Schedules and broadcast arrangements can change, so confirm details before attending. Conference results will shape HCU’s position ahead of the Southland tournament in March 2027.
Houston Christian Basketball Roster 2026–27
HCU’s official roster lists 15 players across guard and forward positions. The table highlights six notable names and their verified heights. Individual ages, family backgrounds, and personal net worth are not standard team statistics.
| Player | Position | Listed height |
|---|---|---|
| Max Alexander | Point guard | 6 ft 0 in |
| Jonas Nichols | Guard | 6 ft 3 in |
| Kam Clark | Guard | 6 ft 6 in |
| D’Aundre Samuels | Guard | 6 ft 3 in |
| Kris Keinys | Forward | 6 ft 8 in |
| Mambourou Mara | Forward | 6 ft 6 in |
Max Alexander and Jonas Nichols stood out against South Dakota. Alexander scored 26 points, while Nichols added 25 in just 17 minutes off the bench. Mara recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds. Those contributions helped HCU withstand a late comeback.
The roster mixes experienced transfers with freshmen King Anderson and Malone Gros. Its success will depend on converting individual talent into consistent defense, rebounding, and smart decision-making.
Coaching Staff
Craig Doty is in his third season as head coach. Previously, he won national titles at the junior-college and NAIA levels. His experience building programs is valuable as HCU develops a substantially changed roster.
Associate head coach Evan Lavery works with assistants Terry Johnson, Noah Breitenstein, Parker Whiteaker, and Tyler Henderson. Devin Wegner handles basketball operations. Together, they support training, recruiting, and preparation.
Recent Performance
The Huskies finished 12–20 overall and 8–14 in conference play in 2025–26. They still qualified for the Southland tournament for a second consecutive year under Doty. Their strong 2026–27 opening suggests progress, although tougher tests remain.
At South Dakota, HCU shot about 56% from the field and forced 18 turnovers. The hosts cut the deficit to one point before the Huskies responded, showing composure under pressure.
Program History
HCU’s basketball history reaches back to the 1960s, when the university was known as Houston Baptist. It became Houston Christian University on September 21, 2022, keeping the Huskies nickname and familiar colors.
Home Arena
The Huskies play at Sharp Gymnasium, which seats about 1,000 spectators. Built in 1963, it also hosts women’s basketball and volleyball. Its compact layout places fans close to the court.
How to Watch and Follow
Fans can find results, tickets, and broadcast links through HCU Athletics. Some games stream on ESPN+, although coverage varies. The athletics account @HCUAthletics on X also shares updates.
Why the Program Matters
HCU student-athletes balance coursework with training and travel. The program offers opportunities to develop discipline, leadership, and teamwork while giving local supporters a connection to Division I basketball.
Conclusion
Houston Christian Basketball has momentum entering the rest of 2026–27. The larger test will be maintaining that form through conference play. With a reworked roster and experienced coaching staff, the Huskies offer an interesting season to follow. Check HCU’s official pages for updated results and roster changes.
FAQs
What conference does Houston Christian Basketball play in?
The men’s Huskies compete in the Southland Conference at the NCAA Division I level.
Who coaches Houston Christian Basketball?
Craig Doty leads the men’s program, supported by a team of associate and assistant coaches.
Where can I find the latest HCU schedule?
The official athletics website publishes confirmed dates, opponents, results, and available broadcast links.
Who are the players to watch?
Max Alexander, Jonas Nichols, and Mambourou Mara delivered notable performances in the opening three games of 2026–27.
Where does HCU play home games?
The team plays at Sharp Gymnasium on the Houston Christian University campus in Houston, Texas.
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