Entering His Sophomore Campaign, Houston Mallette Looks To Grow As a Leader

Then-first year guard Houston Mallette (No. 0) walks to the bench during a game against Gonzaga on Feb. 16, 2021, at Firestone Fieldhouse. Mallette scored 25 points versus then-No. 1 Gonzaga. File photos by Lucian Himes

The sound of sneakers squeaking and players shouting rang through the air on a Thursday afternoon practice at Firestone Fieldhouse.

Men’s Basketball sophomore guard Houston Mallette sports a No. 95 jersey — a jersey representing what Mallette says are the team’s core values of passion, accountability, toughness, humility and sacrifice.

“This jersey means a lot,” Mallette said. “We wear it with pride because it means you help contribute to winning without having to touch the ball and having the ball in your hands.”

Throughout the scrimmage, Mallette was vocal — calling out defensive assignments and encouraging his teammates on offense. The Alameda, Calif., native has slowly transitioned into becoming the team leader — so much so that graduate manager Ryan Williams said Mallette was an unanimous pick to be the team’s captain this season.

JJ Prince is Viewpoint High School’s Boys Basketball Head Coach and coached Mallette for two years at the 16U level. Mallette always had incredible leadership qualities, Prince said.

“He leads from his heart and those around him can feel it — it’s tangible,” Prince said. “He deeply cares about people, his teammates and his coaches. He’s just a guy that people want to follow because of it.”

“He leads from his heart and those around him can feel it — it’s tangible,” Prince said. “He deeply cares about people, his teammates and his coaches. He’s just a guy that people want to follow because of it.”

Link to full story: https://pepperdine-graphic.com/entering-his-sophomore-campaign-houston-mallette-looks-to-grow-as-a-leader/