{"id":261690,"date":"2026-04-22T20:57:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T20:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/261690\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T20:57:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T20:57:08","slug":"why-kingston-flemings-is-forever-grateful-for-the-university-of-houston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/261690\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Kingston Flemings Is Forever Grateful For the University of Houston"},"content":{"rendered":"

Houston\u2019s freshman point guard Kingston Flemings recently spoke to the media<\/a> one final time as he declared for the 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n

With the news, Flemings will now take on workouts from various teams to try to improve his stock as much as possible before the draft, beginning on Tuesday, June 26.<\/p>\n

Throughout the press conference, Flemings delivered several powerful messages about the University of Houston, giving fans even further insight on what the coaching staff is doing behind closed doors.<\/p>\n

Kingston Speaks on His Journey at the University of Houston\"Kingston<\/p>\n

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) dribbles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

One reason why Flemings had a breakout freshman campaign, earning his way into a top-10 projected draft pick, is because of his work ethic and passion for the game of basketball.<\/p>\n

\u201dWhen I came here\u2026 I was ready to work,\u201d Flemings said. \u201cThrough the recruitment process with coach Sampson, coach Kellen and all the coaches, it was a journey for sure. When I got here in the summer, I was just ready to work, ready to prove coach Samp right for coming after me and recruiting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Well, Flemings absolutely showed how good Houston is at recruiting because in just one season the rookie point guard flourished into one of the best playmakers in all of college basketball.<\/p>\n

In his freshman season, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.<\/p>\n

Because Flemings put all his trust in his coaching staff and came in ready to work hard and win games, he certainly raised his draft stock maybe even quicker than the young guard ever anticipated.<\/p>\n

\u201dWhen I came into this season, my main goal was to find a way to help this team and winning,\u201d Flemings said. \u201cComing here, I just wanted to win so bad and that is the reason I chose here. Honestly [being a one-and-done] was not even on my mind coming into the year, I was just trying to focus so much because coming here, if you are focused on outside factors, you aren\u2019t going to have a good year.\u201d<\/p>\n

With his quick growth from a high school standout into a college basketball star, coach Kelvin Sampson pleaded his case for his young point guard.<\/p>\n

\u201dI don\u2019t think Kingston\u2019s a top-10 pick,\u201d Sampson said. \u201cI think he is a top-5 pick. If I was an NBA team, I\u2019d draft him top five.\u201d<\/p>\n

If Flemings is drafted in the top five, he would become Sampson\u2019s highest-drafted player since joining the University of Houston in 2014.<\/p>\n

Overall, Flemings work ethic and trust in Sampson and his staff made this recruitment a perfect match, and is a huge reason why that Flemings will be a lottery pick in this year\u2019s NBA Draft.<\/p>\n

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