Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka argues with referee John Goble during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Randall Benton/AP)
When Ime Udoka was chosen by the Houston Rockets to lead their young, talented roster, there was a sense of intrigue and anticipation. Udoka is not only meeting expectations but also redefining them, as he has been doing for less than a season. Ryan Hollins, a former NBA player and analyst, articulated his point succinctly and persuasively:
“Ime is a ten. He’s a real gem,” Hollins shared with RG.
In a league that is always changing coaches and philosophy, that kind of praise isn’t given lightly. Udoka’s influence in Houston is already visible and felt throughout the NBA.
Building a New Identity in Houston
Udoka’s mission was clear from the outset: to instill discipline, toughness, and a new sense of responsibility. The Rockets were not solely focused on winning — they were rebuilding their identity. Hollins asserted that Udoka provided that and more.
“Everybody around the league is trying to figure out how to pattern and model their young rebuilds after what Ime has done—bringing culture, bringing toughness, bringing physicality.”
A young team, which was filled with potential but lacked structure, was given clear direction by Udoka. The chaotic stretches of basketball played without discipline are no more. Their place was taken by a team that was tough and defensive, and they didn’t hesitate to face NBA juggernauts.
Perfect Timing me on Both Ends
Udoka’s brilliance extended beyond being defensive. Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. were empowered because of his clarity and purpose on the offensive end Playing requires balance between freedom and responsibility. Hollins was most impressed by the way other teams had to adapt to Houston, not the other way around.
“Teams were playing Houston’s style rather than the Rockets being on their heels.”
There’s been a change in culture. This is a sign of a team that is progressing.
Houston stood firm against powerhouses like Golden State, Boston, or New York. Games that were thought to be losses by others were won by them. Their competition was characterized by pride and swagger. Udoka’s blueprint was the reason for that, not chance.
Laying the Foundation for the Future
“We competed with the best… And I think our guys took that next step. There’s still more to go, but that growth was huge.”
The Rockets’ ability to grow is what will make them dangerous in the upcoming seasons. With a roster full of rising stars and a coach who commands respect without demanding the spotlight, Houston is positioned not just to contend but to sustain. Udoka is not a temporary solution or a blip on the map. He has designed a new era for Rockets basketball. Developed through defensive grit, strategic intelligence, and emotional maturity. The NBA has realized. Ryan Hollins is not alone in his assessment. Ime Udoka is truly a gem, and she has the potential to be a game-changer for the Houston Rockets.
Conclusion: Ime Udoka’s Cultural Masterclass
Ime Udoka has done what few coaches have done in a league where systems and styles change every month: he has established the terms for Houston’s reconstruction. He has not only changed the way the Rockets play, but he has redefined what it means to rebuild in today’s NBA. Udoka’s impact can be measured in many ways, including on-court performance, locker room morale, and respect from league insiders. Udoka’s leadership has ensured that the Rockets’ growth has purpose, passion, and permanence.
“He’s a real gem. And Houston’s lucky to have him.”
