Florida Tech Basketball Lands Division I Transfer From Bradley University
By Space Coast Daily // June 6, 2020
Sean Houpt | 6-4, 200-pound guard
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech Head Coach Billy Mims announced the Panthers’ first signing for the 2020-21 season, Sean Houpt, a transfer from NCAA Division I Bradley University.
A 6-4, 200-pound guard, Houpt helped guide Bradley to a 23-11 record, the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship and a bid to the NCAA tournament last season as a freshman. The Danville, Illinois product played in 14 games for the Braves, shooting 46% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.
His top performance of the season came in a national televised game at Loyola Chicago on ESPN. Houpt scored eight points in the final four minutes of the first half to trim the Braves’ deficit to only one at the break. He went 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 2-of-2 at the line during that span.
“There are a number of reasons why I chose to come to Florida Tech,” said Houpt. “Coach Mims is the type of coach I want to play for; he creates a positive atmosphere around his team. I feel like I will fit in well with his style of play.
“Florida Tech’s quality of education was also very important in my decision. Graduating from this university means a lot to me because a degree from there is highly respected. Another intriguing aspect was going to school in paradise. You can’t beat being right near the beach every day!”
Houpt was a three-year starter for his high school team in Danville and led them to a 79-16 record during that time.
As a senior, he guided Danville to a 31-3 record, was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and selected Third Team All-State by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA). Additionally, he was also awarded AP Class 4A All-State Honorable Mention.
The 31 wins his senior season set a Danville High record for the most wins in a single season.. Houpt also set the school record for most three-point makes (95) in a single season and in a career with 206. He averaged 17.5 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game, while shooting 49% from the floor, 44% from three, and 85% from the charity stripe. Houpt scored over 1000 points in his Danville High School career.
“Sean will definitely give us more perimeter firepower next season as he is an outstanding shooter with incredible range,” explained Mims.
“I also like the toughness he brings defensively to our team and his high basketball IQ. Sean only turned the ball over twice all season as a freshman at Bradley because he makes good decisions with the ball! He’s also a great fit academically for us at Florida Tech as he graduated Valedictorian of his class at Danville High.
“Believe it or not, I signed Sean’s dad, Ted, to play at Winthrop University when I was the Associate Head Coach there. His dad was also a very tough, high IQ player that just knew how to win games, and Ted tells me that Sean is a much better shooter than he was! I’m really looking forward to having another Houpt on my team.”
When asked what he hopes to bring to the team, Houpt replied, “I’m hoping to be able to stretch the floor with my shooting and create opportunities for others as well as bring intensity on the defensive end of the floor. I can’t wait to get on campus and get to work in August!”
For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech men’s basketball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com.
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