Houston's Kingston Flemings to Declare for NBA Draft

Freshman point guard expected to be a top-10 pick in 2026 NBA Draft

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with their form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant blue, red, and yellow hues.Kingston Flemings' decision to turn pro after a standout freshman season leaves a void in the Houston Cougars' backcourt, but the team is already working to reload through the transfer portal.Houston Today

Houston Cougars freshman point guard Kingston Flemings is set to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, according to head coach Kelvin Sampson. Flemings, a consensus All-American and finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, is ranked the No. 7 prospect in the draft by ESPN and is expected to be a top-10 pick.

Why it matters

Flemings' decision to turn pro is a major blow to the Houston Cougars, who were hoping to build around the talented young guard for another run at the national championship. However, his departure opens up opportunities for the team to reload through the transfer portal, including the addition of senior point guard Dedan Thomas Jr.

The details

In his freshman season, Flemings took control of the Cougars' offense, setting the school's freshman scoring and assist records. He was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, made the All-Big 12 First Team and Freshman Team, and was a consensus All-American. Flemings also set the Houston freshman single-game scoring record with a career-high 42 points.

  • Flemings will hold a press conference this weekend to announce his decision to enter the 2026 NBA Draft.
  • Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson confirmed Flemings' plans to turn pro during a recent Zoom press conference.

The players

Kingston Flemings

A freshman point guard for the Houston Cougars, Flemings is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after a standout debut season in which he set school records and earned consensus All-American honors.

Kelvin Sampson

The head coach of the Houston Cougars, Sampson confirmed that Flemings will be declaring for the NBA Draft and is expected to be a high lottery pick.

Dedan Thomas Jr.

A senior point guard who recently committed to the Houston Cougars via the transfer portal, likely to replace the departing Flemings in the starting lineup.

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What they’re saying

“I'll give you the inside scoop. Kingston's going in the draft. And he's going to be a top-10 pick.”

— Kelvin Sampson, Head Coach, Houston Cougars

What’s next

Flemings is expected to officially announce his decision to enter the 2026 NBA Draft during a press conference this weekend, where he will be joined by head coach Kelvin Sampson.

The takeaway

Flemings' decision to turn pro is a major loss for the Houston Cougars, but it also opens up opportunities for the team to reload through the transfer portal. The addition of veteran point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. suggests the Cougars are prepared to move forward without their star freshman, who is poised to be a high lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.