Photo by Somer-Lian Charles
The Houston Cougars basketball team is headed to San Antonio to play in the NCAA Final Four. This is just the seventh time in school history.
If you haven’t heard the rumblings around campus, here’s what you need to know.
The squad joined the Big 12, one of college basketball’s toughest and most competitive conferences, just two years ago. Since then, they have won a regular season title each year. The No.1 seeded Cougars have been rolling this season, boasting an overall record of 34-4 and a spotless 10-0 in road games.
Despite the regular season success, Houston will be looking for revenge as they prepare to play Duke in the NCAA semifinal game on Saturday, April 5. Last year’s Sweet 16 against Duke ended heartbreakingly for the Cougars putting an end to Houston’s run in the round.
“We still have a score to settle with Duke,” University of Houston President Renu Khator said.
The Final Four
The Final Four is the last round of a month-long tournament called March Madness. Sixty-eight teams compete in win-or-go-home games for a shot at a national championship. At its core, the tournament brings together the best college teams to the national stage for a high-stakes event.
The talent pool is made up of four divisions. This year, for the first time since 2006, the top-rated team of each division earned a spot in the Final Four.
As Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson would say, “Toughest team wins.”
Cougars’ History
Although the Cougars have made the Final Four a handful of times, they have only reached the championship game twice. They are yet to come out victorious.
The first three appearances were in the 1980s. The university had a successful basketball program known as “Phi Slama Jama” led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler who both went on to become NBA legends.
Cougars to Watch
This time Houston is led defensively by what Sampson refers to as a “Three-Headed Monster,” consisting of J’wan Roberts, Joseph Tuglar and Ja’vier Francis. Holding the line offensively are L.J Cryer, Emanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan.
Of these names, only two have previous Final Four experience, veterans Cryer and Roberts. Both are in their final collegiate season.
The duo clashed in Houston’s 2021 Final Four meeting against Baylor in the semifinals. At the time Cryer sported Baylor across his jersey. Cryer and Baylor went on to become a national champion after eliminating Roberts and the Cougars that year. Cryer, leading the Cougars all season, is easily the first option offensively.
However, Uzan, who joined the squad this season after spending two years at Oklahoma, has quickly proven himself to be a force on the court. In the waning seconds of Houston’s Sweet 16 match against Purdue, Uzan hit a game-winning shot to send the Cougars to the next round.
Roberts, on the other hand, is in his sixth year with the Cougars. Over the years, he has learned how to win continuously. With over 130 career wins under his belt, Roberts is the winningest player in program history.
How to Support the Cougars
If you plan on making the road trip to San Antonio, the University has planned several events for fellow Cougars to be loud and proud, turning the city red together.
The festivities will begin on Friday, April 4 with a pep rally at the Final Four Fan Fest. This will be followed by a welcome party at Rita’s on the River at 6:30 p.m.
No need to worry if you can’t make the trip. Watch parties have been set up around Houston too to ensure all fans have the opportunity to support. Head out to Avenida Plaza, right in front of George R. Brown Convention Center, on Saturday night.
Wherever you’re supporting from, roar on the Cougars with pride at one of the official watch parties.
Recent Comments