All Roads to NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship lead thru H-town & the University of Houston Cougars

The University of Houston Men’s Basketball program, led by legendary coach Kelvin Sampson are on a historic ride with no exit ramp for a detour. The Houston Cougar’s second winningest coach, only behind Hall of Famer Guy Lewis, has his squad poised and ready to make a run for it all, The timing might be ironic, the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship (Final Four) will be held in Houston, with the University of Houston slated as one of the host universities. To date, the Cougars are undefeated and ranked #1 in the country going into December.

The #1 ranking in both the coaches and AP polls, marking the first time the program has been the top ranked team in 39 years.  The Cougars received 45 of 63 votes from national sports writers to hold the spot for UH.

But, what is UH basketball? The Cougars style involves constant pressure and a relentless force of high octane offense. Led by senior guard Marcus Sasser, the Houston style of ball is aggressive, with emphasis on the defensive end and rebounding on both. The Cougars rank in the top three in just about every category for defensive efficiency.  Ranked at #3 in the preseason polls, the Cougars continue to win, despite going dormant on offense at times. The defensive pressure they put on the ball is

After making it to the Elite Eight the past two seasons and making it to the Final Four in 2021, the Cougars are poised and labeled as favorites to win the championship. In three decades, Coach Sampson has had some good squads; however, many think he just might have the elite team this year.  The American Athletic Conference Preseason AP All-American guard, Senior Marcus Sasser will definitely need to stay healthy if the Cougars are to go deep in the tournament. Junior point guard Jamal Shead, freshman Jarace Walker along with forward J’Wan Roberts and Tramon Mark round out a great starting five; however it’s Houston’s depth that scares many. The rotation coming off the bench could start anywhere in America. Every position has depth, except for the shooting guard position, and that’s why Sasser is so important to the Cougars.

In December, the schedule tightens up for the Cougars. With matches against #11 Alabama, Virginia and McNeese State, the Cougars will be tested. Coach Sampson doesn’t get sucked into the hype. He believes he has a good team, but confesses they have a long ways’ to go. The nucleus put in place in Houston is solid and cohesive. The team really appears to be close, without the presence of a “SuperStar Diva,” which plagues many programs. Every night it seems to be a different hero that steps up to seal the deal.

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AP Top 25

1. Houston (45)

2. Texas (8)

3. Virginia (2)

4. Arizona

5, Purdue (8)

6. Baylor

7. Creighton

8. UConn

9. Kansas

10. Indiana

Houston Cougars Basketball 2022 Schedule

December 2022