Is Houston’s Kingston Flemings the Next NCAA Legend? You Won't Believe His Shocking Stats Against Texas Tech!

On Saturday, the Houston Cougars embarked on a 500-mile journey to Lubbock, Texas, to face off against their Big 12 rivals, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling games of the college basketball season. The atmosphere inside United Supermarkets Arena was electric, with a loud, packed crowd making their presence felt from the opening tip-off.

This particular matchup showcased multiple aspiring NBA players, including Christian Anderson, JT Toppin, and Chris Cenac, each eager to prove themselves. However, it was freshman point guard Kingston Flemings, ranked sixth by ESPN in his class, who emerged as the standout performer of the night.

A Performance to Remember in Houston History

In a high-pressure environment, Flemings shone brightly, scoring 42 points and adding six assists while shooting an impressive 69.1% in true shooting percentage. Despite Houston's narrow loss to Texas Tech, 90–86, Flemings’ performance was historic. He set a new program record for points scored in a game by a Houston freshman, surpassing the previous record of 28 points set by Daniel House in 2013.

Flemings not only recorded the highest points of his collegiate career but also demonstrated significant growth in his offensive game. Known for his quick first step and deft ball-handling, he consistently blew past defenders and finished strong at the rim. He adeptly navigated a defense focused on neutralizing his impact, showing an ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Throughout the game, Flemings exhibited remarkable scoring resilience. Faced with defensive adjustments aimed at containing him, he displayed creativity and adaptability, finding new ways to keep the offense flowing. What notably improved in his game were his three-point shooting and foul-drawing skills—two areas that had drawn skepticism in his scouting reports.

One of the main critiques of Flemings as a prospect had been the relatively low intersection between his three-point attempt rate and free-throw rate, which can signal inefficiency in a player’s scoring strategy. However, during this game, he silenced those critics, at least for the night.

Flemings hit 4 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc—his highest number of three-pointers both made and attempted this season. Most notably, he managed to score on primarily unassisted looks. He also recorded a season high in free throws, drawing 10 attempts and converting 8 of them.

Scouts have long been captivated by his self-creation skills, playmaking vision, and defensive capabilities at the point of attack. If he can maintain this increased volume of three-point shooting and continue to draw fouls effectively, Flemings is well on his way to solidifying his place as a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with potential for an even higher selection.

As the Cougars continue their season, Kingston Flemings' performance against Texas Tech is sure to be a pivotal moment, not just for his team but for his burgeoning career in basketball. His ability to shine in a challenging setting highlights not only his talent but also the intense competition present in college basketball today.