Case Keenum owns career records for records for passing yards (19,217), total offense (20,114) and touchdown passes (155). | File photo/ The Daily Cougar
From former women’s basketball star Chandi Jones’ selection as female athlete of the decade to Case Keenum owning almost every NCAA passing record, the Cougars are leaving behind some memories when they officially join the American Athletic Conference on Monday.
In its 17 Conference USA seasons, UH won 59 conference titles and made 145 NCAA postseason appearances in 15 sports while also producing 10 individual national champions.
In men’s basketball, former guard Aubrey Coleman led the nation in scoring with 25.6 points per game and led the Cougars to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1992 in 2008. He recently returned to UH help get other college athletes in NBA shape.
In track and field, the Cougars have won 33 C-USA indoor/outdoor titles.
After a 2013 resurgence, the Cougars have won six C-USA golf championships, including five straight from 1997-2001.
On Wednesday, read the comprehensive story about the Cougars’ new challenges and the opportunities that joining the American brings.
Izundu has change of heart
After deciding to transfer earlier this summer, freshman center Valentine Izundu has changed his mind will to return to UH.
Izundu
“I want to apologize to Coach Dickey, my coaches and my teammates. Following the season, I made a poor decision and realized quickly that I had made a mistake by leaving,” Izundu said in a statement. “I am grateful to be given another opportunity to compete with the Cougars and excited to rejoin my teammates and coaches.”
Izundu provided an inside presence on defense and was second on the team in blocked shots but was raw offensively. The coaching staff believes he has the talent to be the next great center at UH if he maximizes his potential.
“We are pleased to welcome Valentine back into our program,” said head coach James Dickey in a statement. “After speaking with him and his family, I believed Valentine to be very sincere in his desire to return to our program and look forward to working with him during our summer workouts in July.”
Young chooses Ducks
The Cougars’ two highest profile transfer situations of the summer have reached a conclusion.
After senior running back Charles Sims decided to play football at West Virginia, junior guard Joseph Young will finish his eligibility with Oregon of the Pac 12.
Young will likely have to sit out for the 2013-14 season but will have one year of eligibility remaining the following year — but he could apply for a waiver that will allow him to play immediately.
Young averaged 18 points per game and was the leading scorer for the Cougars in 2012-13.
