HOUSTON – So you’re about to watch the Houston Cougars try to claw their way into college basketball history — again.
Whether you’re a ride-or-die Coogs or just watching because your group chat said “this one’s big,” we’ve got you covered.
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Before tipoff, here’s your crash course in University of Houston Hoops — so you can yell at the TV with purpose.
1. UH was Dunking before ‘Nike Dunks’ came out
First things first —Phi Slama Jama, aka “Texas’ Tallest Fraternity” (1981–1984), was UH’s nickname because, well, they dunked everything.
No seriously — they practically refused to shoot jumpers.
Led by none other than Hakeem Olajuwon (yes, the Dream) and Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, they went to three straight Final Fours (1982–84).
2. Meet the head coach: Kelvin Sampson
Since arriving in 2014, Sampson has:
- Taken UH to five straight Sweet 16s
- Reached the Final Four in 2021 & 2025
- Won 30+ games three seasons in a row
- Coached up multiple NBA players
- Snagged National Coach of the Year
- Oh — and led UH into Big 12 dominance
3. They’re in the Big 12 now… and they run it.
Shoutout to Coach Sampson for making dominance look casual.
- Joined the Big 12: July 1, 2023
- First Big 12 Season: 2023–2024
- Current Season: 2024–2025
Two years in — already champs.
4. UH alums in the NBA? Oh, you bet
UH alums have flooded the league over the years:
- Clyde Drexler (Rockets / Trail Blazers)
- Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets / Raptors)
- Otis Birdsong (Kings / Nets / Celtics)
- Quentin Grimes (Knicks / Pistons / Mavericks / 76ers)
- Marcus Sasser (Pistons)
- Damyean Dotson (Cavaliers / Knicks)
- Jarace Walker (Pacers — No. 8 pick in 2023)
- And now… Jamal Shead (Raptors)
Yup — Shead’s in the NBA now. And that brings us to...
5. UH doesn’t rebuild — they reload
Even with Shead gone, this year’s team didn’t miss a beat.
Why? Because Houston’s got depth for days.
Drop these names at the watch party:
- L.J. Cryer (#4)– Transfer from Baylor, certified bucket-getter.
- Emanuel Sharp (#21) – Sharpshooter (the name doesn’t lie).
- Joseph Tugler (#11) – Young big with bounce, rim-protection, and major upside.
- J’Wan Roberts (#13)– The steady vet who always shows up when it counts.
- Milos Uzan (#7) – Smooth on the court and crafty point guard.
6. UH is basically built for march 🏆
This year alone, they overcame a bumpy start and still won the Big 12 by two full games.
This team isn’t here for TikTok dances — they’re here to make history.
Defense, toughness, hustle — they’ve got it. Injuries? No problem. Tough schedule? Let’s go.
7. Defense so good, it should be illegal
Houston’s defense is like the TSA: nothing gets through.
They don’t just defend — they suffocate:
- Elite rim protection
- Tough perimeter D
- Hustle on every loose ball
If you like old-school grit with new-school speed? This is your team.
8. Master P’s son is on the team
Remember No Limit Records?
Yup — Mercy Miller is Rapper Master P’s son, and he’s reppin’ UH with confidence.
Is it too early to say UH has the best backcourt and mixtape potential in the NCAA?
9. They’ve got a secret weapon: Culture
This team isn’t flashy — they’re focused.
They’ll dive for loose balls, take charges, and clap in your face after a block.
They’re proud to be Cougars — and that pride shows up every game.
10. This ain’t a Cinderella story — it’s a legacy
Don’t call this a “miracle run.”
This is years of building, recruiting, grinding, and believing.
UH has been knocking on the championship door since the early ‘80s. Now? They’re ready to kick it in.
So yeah, if you’re watching UH in the championship tonight — just know: You’re witnessing history in the making.
Grab your snacks, rep that red, and let’s make some noise!
And remember — WHOSE HOUSE?!... COOGS HOUSE. 🐾
