Two Cougars request to transfer

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A week after the hiring of coach Kelvin Sampson, the University of Houston's top two scorers are seeking to play elsewhere.

Junior guard Danuel House and senior forward TaShawn Thomas had their requests to transfer denied and are currently going through the appeal process.

House, a highly recruited prospect from Fort Bend Hightower, said he had his "mind made up before the end of the season."

"Honestly, I know I want to leave UH," House said Thursday night.

At issue is the granting of a transfer request to reserve point guard Jaaron Simmons, who left the program last week.

"They let transfers come in, they let one of my teammates get his release without any process or denial," said House, who averaged 13.6 points this season and was Conference USA's Freshman of the Year in 2013. "But when I asked for mine they denied my request. I felt that was unfair. Our university always speaks highly of integrity but they didn't show any integrity to me. It's like a hostage situation."

Mack Rhoades, UH's vice president for intercollegiate athletics, and Sampson were not available for comment.

Thomas, who led the Cougars in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (8.1) this season, said he met with Sampson on a few occasions before deciding to transfer.

"I feel like they should respect that I'm trying to explore different options," Thomas, a second-team American Athletic Conference selection, told KRIV-TV. "I'm kind of nervous about the whole new situation with the coach."

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 14: Danuel House #23 of the Houston Cougars drives to the basket against Stephan Van Treese #44 of the Louisville Cardinals during the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament at FedExForum on March 14, 2014 in Memphis, Tennessee. less MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 14: Danuel House #23 of the Houston Cougars drives to the basket against Stephan Van Treese #44 of the Louisville Cardinals during the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference ... more Photo: Joe Murphy, Getty Images Photo: Joe Murphy, Getty Images Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close Two Cougars request to transfer 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

The transfer requests for House and Thomas were declined on April 4, the day after Sampson was named the Cougars' new basketball coach. Sampson replaced James Dickey, who stepped down at the end of the season for a personal family matter.

Along with Dickey, two other people close to House, including former assistant coach Daniyal Robinson, are no longer with the program.

"I really don't have a relationship with anyone on the staff," said House, a 6-7 guard who was the 15th-ranked prep player in the nation by Rivals and ESPN.

"I tried to create a bond with Coach Dickey. Me and coach Dickey were the only ones that were really close. When he resigned I didn't have a relationship with anyone here."

By asking for his release, House said he wanted to explore options "to see if I wanted to start over again or come back." House said no reason was given why his transfer request was denied.

"They basically didn't want to give me that choice," he added. "They tried to talk to me and tell me why I should stay."

The next step for both players is to go through the university's Athletics Transfer Release Appeal Release Process.

During the process, a student-athlete must provide a written request explaining why he/she "feels the restriction is inappropriate," according to UH's athletics website. The committee consists of the chair of the Athletics Advisory Committee, the faculty athletics representative and another member of the Athletics Advisory Committed that is determined by the chair. A member of the athletic department staff may not serve on the committee.

If granted their releases, House and Thomas would likely have to sit out a season unless they petition to the NCAA to play immediately. UH could also put restrictions on certain school that may not transfer to.

This marks the second straight offseason a prominent player has opted to leave the program. At the end of last season, guard Joseph Young transferred to Oregon following the fallout that led to his father, Michael, being reassigned within the athletic department.

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