University of Houston transfer Justice Carlton will be sidelined for the 2026-27 season because of a left knee injury she suffered during preseason, the program announced Saturday.
The junior forward was a star addition for the Cougars after she spent two seasons at Texas, where she led the Longhorns to back-to-back Final Four appearances, the 2026 SEC tournament crown and a share of the 2024-25 SEC regular-season title. She averaged 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds last season while starting 28 of 39 games as a sophomore.
"Life presents unexpected challenges, and Justice has certainly been faced with a major one," Houston coach Matthew Mitchell said in a statement. "In her short time at Houston, Justice has impacted our basketball program significantly for the better. Through her outstanding summer and preseason preparation, she established herself as a respected leader with a high basketball IQ that elevates everyone around her. Justice responded to this challenge with immense perspective, determination and positivity that has been a powerful lesson for all of us.
"While her role this season will be different from what we hoped, Justice remains a vital member of our team, providing invaluable leadership and wisdom. She is highly motivated to help us win. We will support her every step of the way and have no doubt she will return to the court stronger than ever."
Carlton grew up in nearby Katy, Texas, where she was a McDonald's All-American and ESPN's No. 12 recruit in the class of 2024. Her sister, Madison, is a freshman on the Cougars.
Houston finished 1-17 in the Big 12 last season and 7-23 overall, Mitchell's first with the program. The Cougars last recorded a winning season in 2021-22.
Texas, which will return All-American Madison Booker, experienced a bit of a roster overhaul with Rori Harmon and Kyla Oldacre graduating and Carlton, Jordan Lee, Aaliyah Crump and Aaliyah Moore also leaving for new programs.
