UH transfer Chendall Weaver brings energy, rebounds and earns ‘Rodman' nickname from Kelvin Sampson

Transfer Chendall Weaver provided the Cougars a spark in his first game against Cal on Sunday. (Hale Irwin/Associated Press) Chendall Weaver checked into the game Sunday against Cal for the first time this season and immediately provided a boost of energy.He had a putback dunk. Then, on the other end of the floor, Weaver made a steal that led to a fast-break dunk.His final line: six points, six rebounds and three steals in 15 minutes.In other words, just what University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson envisioned when he signed the transfer guard in the offseason.It was also a performance befitting Weaver's new nickname. During a practice in Weaver's second week with the Cougars, Sampson began calling him "Rodman," after former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who was known more for his defense and rebounding than his scoring and shooting.Weaver wasn't even born when Rodman played his final NBA season in 1999-2000. He's watched some "highlights and stuff" and seen videos of the "crazy things he did," a reference to Rodman's flamboyant lifestyle. "It's kind of stuck," Weaver said of the nickname. "I like to rebound. Coach Sampson emphasizes rebounding, so I rebound in practice, rebound in games. So that nickname has kind of stuck."Even if Weaver isn't particularly fond of it."He doesn't like it, but we don't care," forward Chase McCarty said with a laugh. "He plays like Dennis Rodman."Sign up for Cougar ConfidentialYou'll get get in-depth news and analysis about UH's basketball and football teams from reporter Joseph Duarte by signing up for the Cougar Confidential newsletter.Weaver made his season debut at the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic after being granted a temporary restraining order by a Tarrant County district court as he challenges the NCAA's five-for-five eligibility rule. The order remains in effect through Nov. 19, according to court documents, after which Weaver's eligibility will expire unless the 6-foot-3 guard receives an extension or a temporary injunction."First couple of minutes, I let the emotions rock out, but I was definitely feeling it," Weaver said of his return in the Cougars' 86-68 victory. "It meant a lot. I'm just blessed to be in this situation, blessed to be out there and get the opportunity to play again."Another season wasn't a certainty after Weaver wrapped up what he thought was his final college season at Texas. Weaver said he began hearing rumblings about potential legislation that would allow another year of eligibility, prompting him to put his name in the transfer portal.Sampson's defensive-minded program proved to be a natural fit.Sampson had watched Weaver play against the Cougars in Texas' overtime loss to UH in 2024. Weaver caught his attention with his toughness and defensive intensity, two traits Sampson values."We didn't recruit him out of high school," said Sampson, whose eighth-ranked Cougars (2-0) host Jacksonville State (1-1) on Wednesday night. "I didn't know anything about Chendall until we played him in Austin and Rodney (Terry) put him in. He just stood out with his effort and energy."Sampson was particularly impressed with Weaver's three offensive rebounds against Cal, which gave the Cougars extra possessions."The tough ones play to their strengths," Sampson said. "Playing hard is a strength for him. Playing hard is a skill. A lot of people think skill is dunking or passing or shooting. Playing hard is a skill, maybe the most important skill… Chendall is a competitor. Doing things the right way is important to him. He's going to help this team."Weaver's teammates noticed the energy he provided off the bench, helping the Cougars build a 17-point lead in the first half. "His adrenaline and his emotions were at an all-time high," McCarty said. "He brings energy, brings juice when needed."Weaver said that's what his teammates and coaches can expect every time he steps on the court."My teammates and coaches should expect that out of me every game," Weaver said. "That's what I'm going to bring. You can count on me to bring that every game."Create havoc. Pressure the ball. Chase rebounds."Over the years, I've built that name for myself, that kind of role," Weaver said. "I like that role. Just going out there doing the little things other guys won't do."A tattoo on Weaver's left forearm seems fitting. It reads: Patience.After months of waiting, Weaver finally got the OK to play. "Last year, playing my last game, I thought it would be my last game ever," Weaver said. "Just coming out here, any game could be my last game ever again, so I'm just coming out there and leaving it on the court."Sampson said he hoped Weaver would receive another year of eligibility."I told Chendall I hope it works out for you because he didn't try and be a pro, he didn't try and game the system and come back," Sampson said. "He wanted to play basketball because they ruled you can have a fifth year. That's all he's trying take advantage of."Now he even has a nickname.Told that Rodman also went by "The Worm," McCarty gave a big smile."I think I'm going to use that," McCarty said.SubscribeThere’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at UH transfer Chendall Weaver brings energy, rebounds and earns ‘Rodman' nickname from Kelvin Sampson.