The No. 10 Cougars are kicking off their 2026-27 season with nine newcomers among the 14 players on the roster, as Coach Kelvin Sampson pushes for an incredible ninth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. This isn’t your daddy’s squad, folks, with a completely revamped roster hitting the court.
Roster Overhaul for a Sweet 16 Squad
This Cougars team is looking totally different, and honestly, that’s wild. Out of 14 players, nine are brand-new faces ready to make their mark. When you’ve got that much turnover, it tells you Sampson is serious about pushing for deep runs. Joseph Tugler, a forward, is the *only* returning starter from last year’s 30-win team that reached the Sweet 16. That’s a massive shift in leadership and on-court presence right there. But hey, it also means a ton of fresh energy.
New Faces and Familiar Strengths
While Tugler holds it down as the lone returning starter, the Cougars aren’t completely devoid of experienced talent from last year’s successful run. Forward Chase McCarty and guard Mercy Miller, who were both key reserves on that Sweet 16 squad, are stepping up into the starting lineup this season. Their experience from last year’s 30-win campaign is going to be crucial as this new group gels. Keep an eye on newcomer Corey Hadnot II, too; he’s definitely one of the fresh faces ready to contribute. This team is built to pursue a ninth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, and with Sampson at the helm, you know they’re going to fight for it.
The Cougars face La Salle at 8 p.m. Monday at Fertitta Center. This isn’t just another opener, it’s the first real look at how this revamped No. 10 squad begins its journey for that historic ninth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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