Landon Goesling: 'Once you come to this program, you're a part of this program; and, you're family forever.'

Get your Houston Cougars team gear at Fanatics.com

October 3, 2018

Landon Goesling graduated from St. Edward's University with a degree in Accounting. St. Edward's is a Division 2 school. He had one year of basketball eligibility remaining; and, this past summer, he decided to transfer to the University of Houston and play for Head Coach Kelvin Sampson and the Coogs.

After the first day of practice, Goesling admitted practicing at a Division 1 program like Houston is a change from D-2 St. Edward's.

"It's definitely a change. Coming to this level," Goesling acknowledged. "Coach (Sampson) is very high on intensity and everything to a T. It's an adjustment for sure; but, it's for the best. And, I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Goesling said his decision to attend Houston was a no-brainer.

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime for me. Coming out of high school I had no (scholarship) offers. I walked on (Appalachian State). I transferred to Division 2 because of an injury; and, the year I had last year I graduated. So, with the graduate transfer rules, it's an opportunity that presented itself. I couldn't say no to it. Coming to the University of Houston - with the reputation it has; playing for a coach like Coach Sampson - who I have so much respect for. It was a no brainer for me."

Goesling admits his knowledge about Houston's basketball program wasn't very much -- until he saw the Coogs play in the American Athletic Conference Tournament and the NCAA Tournament last season.

"Actually, I didn't know a lot (about Houston) until March last year," Goesling said. "Probably, like a lot of people. You know, I was always familiar with the University of Houston; but, they kind of sprung onto the scene late in the Conference Tournament as well as the NCAA Tournament. I got to watch a lot of those games on tv; and, like I said, the way they play: the passion you can see that flows through the players. It trickles down from the head coach on down. It was fun to get to watch them last year and be a part of it this year."

During the summer, Goesling visited the Houston campus; and, though the basketball facilities were not a huge factor in his decision to transfer to UH, Goesling was impressed by the facilities.

"I came here in the summer. I toured the facilities. I was blown away. Coming from a Division 2, it's a little different for sure.

"Honestly, I tried not get too caught up in that. More of what the program stands for. More of what Coach (Sampson) stands for was kind of my main factors; but, I was blown away by the facilities."

Landon, 6'0", averaged 22.9 points per game for St. Edwards last season. He describes his skillset as versatile.

"I'm kind of a different player. I'm versatile. I can shoot the ball. Make things happen off the dribble. I led the country last year in free throws (made) at the Division 2 level (233 made in 30 games); so, I can kind of score from all three levels (from three, mid-range, at the bucket). But, it's going to be an adjustment with bigger, stronger guys; so, that's why I'm working with the coaches and trying to tailor my game to this level."

Once he made his decision to attend Houston, Goesling has taken time to work out with his new teammates and learn the culture Coach Sampson and his staff have instilled in the basketball program. Houston's winning and the culture of accountability convinced Goesling

"The big thing we preach here is culture. Everyone was so welcoming. (As a grad transfer) I'm only going to be here for one year; so, one of the main reasons I decided to come here is because Coach made it very clear that this is not a one year deal. It's not a one year rental.

'Once you come to this program, you're a part of this program; and, you're family forever.'

"That's something that really hit home with me and my family as I made my decision."

CLICK HERE for news and info about the Coogs' men's basketball team.

 Subscribe in a RSS feeds reader

Subscribe to The HRRs write-ups of Houston Cougars men's basketball games by Email