Former University of Houston point guard Jamal Shead was drafted #45 overall by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Considered an all-time great in the UH basketball program, the Big 12 male athlete of the year is now ready to take the next step after four years in Houston. The Manor, Texas native had a watch party with family, friends, teammates, and coaches in attendance.
“I have the best support system anybody can ask for,” said Shead.
The now UH graduate in health promotions still invited the new players in the program such as freshman guard Mercy Miller and junior transfer point guard Milos Uzan.
“Once you’re part of this program, you’re part of this brotherhood together,” said head coach Kelvin Sampson.
Jamal Shead’s college career and in particular his senior year was full of awards. The 6 ‘1 guard received Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year becoming the first athlete to do so.
Shead also received more defensive Player of the Year honors from the Naismith Awards as well as the Nolan Richardson award for being the heart and soul of the team.
“I’ve had a pretty good career at UH, and hopefully I can keep that going,” said Shead.
Shead led UH with almost 13 points per game, six assists, and two steals while becoming the first Cougar to record 100+ wins, 1300+ points, 600+ assists, and 200+ steals during his career.
After another incredible regular season, where Shead led the Cougars to the Big 12 regular season title, it seemed Houston was poised for a title run in the NCAA Tournament. After wins vs Longwood and Texas A&M, Shead suffered an injury in the first half to Duke in the Sweet 16, and Houston was unable to overcome that.
However, in the first year in a Power 5 conference, Jamal Shead helped Houston have a historic year with a 32-5 record.
“Anytime I get to come back to UH, I’ll be here. This is my family, and I’m pretty sure that coach will let me around,” said Shead.
The Raptors are getting a complete point guard that will be elite on the defensive end. Shead became the 48th Cougar to be taken in the NBA Draft, and the fourth player under head coach Kelvin Sampson at Houston.
“He found the right spot, I think he’ll be a great fit in Toronto with the way they play, and they need him. They’re getting a heck of a player,” said Sampson.
The Cougars started recruiting Jamal Shead when he just finished 11th grade, and he developed into an all-time great program leader.
“Work in and out, learn how to take care of your body, and be coachable,” said Shead. Those were the takeaways he had from his four years in the program to be successful at the next level.
There will be different coaching principles and systems in the NBA, but Sampson mentions what the keys are.
“Just make sure you keep your attitude and effort where it needs to be and be a good teammate,” said the Big 12 Coach of the Year.
The All-American signed a 3-year, $6.1 million rookie deal with Toronto on July 4th.
Shead has played 2 games in the NBA summer league for the Raptors so far. The new point guard up north scored 7 points, with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 50% from the field, which included a buzzer-beater to the hoop vs the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Against the Denver Nuggets, Shead put up 9 points and 5 assists.
“Carry that Cougar culture with you. Jamal will carry those things with him. Toronto’s fans will appreciate him,” said Sampson.
*Featured Image via Houston Cougars Instagram