by Sports Xchange

  --Senior G Aubrey Coleman, the 2009 C-USA newcomer of the year and all-conference first team, returns after averaging 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds. He was the only player in the league to rank in the top four in both categories.  

  --Senior G Kelvin Lewis, third-team all-conference and a first-team defensive pick, finished second on the team in scoring (18.0) and led the Cougars with 93 3-pointers. He only needs 79 points to reach 1,000 for his career.   

--The Cougars continue to excel at home. UH posted a 12-3 record (.800) at Hofheinz Pavilion last season, with the only losses coming to Iowa State, No. 1 Memphis and Conference USA-rival UTEP. It was the fifth straight season that the Cougars recorded double-digit home wins, a first since 1988-93. UH has not recorded six straight 10-win home seasons since 1972-78.   

LAST YEAR: 21-12 overall, 10-6 in C-USA; lost in first round of CBI Tournament.  

HEAD COACH: Tom Penders (629-422); Sixth season at Houston (102-61).   

QUOTE TO NOTE: "If there is a more talented guard tandem than Aubrey and Kelvin, I haven't seen it, and there are some very good guards in this league. To have two wing players on the floor like that gives you stability and consistency." -- Coach Tom Penders on G Aubrey Coleman and G Kelvin Lewis.