Junior guard Cory Tellis served as one of UH’s team managers in 2008-09 before hitting the court with the Cougars this season. | UH Athletics
Junior guard Cory Tellis is back where he belongs.
From 2006 to 2008, Tellis played at Schreiner University in Kerrville.
After transferring to UH, Tellis joined the basketball team as a team manager for the 2008-09 season. This season, he will try to earn minutes for his hometown team.
“I love Houston actually,” Tellis said. “I was born and raised here. Houston will always be my home.”
Tellis went to Clear Brook High School in Friendswood.
For Tellis, the road back to Houston was difficult, but his patience paid off.
“Trying to make my way to Houston was kind of hard, but it was well worth the work,” Tellis said. “I’m glad I did it. I’m glad I made the transition to come here.”
His role on the team will be to provide depth at the crowded guard position, which includes Aubrey Coleman, Kelvin Lewis, Desmond Wade and Zamal Nixon.
Depth will be critical for the undersized Cougars (10-9, 3-3 Conference USA) this season, who have tried to exploit mismatches based on quickness and athleticism.
Speed is one of the team’s strong points.
“The strengths of our team are our speed, and our defense,” Tellis said.
Of these, Tellis said defense is what will take the team places.
Tellis said despite the lack of size, the players are still confident in their roles.
“Everybody on our team knows their role, and everybody does what they do best, and they do it to the best of their ability,” Tellis said. “I don’t see us having too many weaknesses this year because everybody can do everything well.”
The team’s aspirations are high, as it hopes to improve on last seasons finish.
“Our goals for this year are like every other year: get to the tournament and hopefully make some noise, and get to a national championship,” Tellis said in November. “This year, we will get our results.”
Tellis said he is enjoying playing at UH so far.
“To me, playing here is a great experience,” he said. “I never thought I would be at this level, and I’m blessed to be here. It’s a great feeling coming out here and working hard everyday.”
