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Houston is back in the Final Four, primed to end a streak of truly bad luck

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3 years ago

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INDIANAPOLIS — They danced, they laughed, Kelvin Sampson gave his kids hugs. Houston was one band of happy Cougars to be back in the Final Four this week. Of course, the program has been there before, quite some time ago.

It didn’t end well.

Five times it didn’t end well. In fact, you could make the case that few programs have had a more star-crossed Final Four history than Houston, which now has a chance to vastly improve on that situation. Illinois and Oklahoma are the only other schools who have been to as many as five Final Fours and are yet to win a title. If the current Cougars lose next weekend, they will stand alone at six.

Houston beat Oregon State in the Elite Eight

And it’s just not the record, but how it’s happened. They have had meaty roles for two of the most famous Final Four games in history — as the victims. In their five past trips they somehow managed to run into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar . . . and Michael Jordan . . . and Patrick Ewing. A wall of Hall of Famers for Houston to beat its collective heads against.

But let’s start at the beginning.

1967 — Timing is everything, and the Cougars didn’t have it. They advanced to their first Final Four and who should be waiting for them but one of the greatest teams in history; unbeaten UCLA with Lew Alcindor – later Abdul-Jabbar — in his first season of steamrolling college basketball.

The Houston players had an idea of what they were in for the day prior to the game, when they were sitting in their hotel lobby pretty much to themselves and in strolled the Bruins, surrounded by a gaggle of fans and media. UCLA arrived like rock stars, while the Cougars, Don Chaney would say years later, “felt like country bumpkins.”

The next day, Alcindor had 19 points and 20 rebounds and UCLA breezed to a 15-point victory.

1968 — Houston ended UCLA’s 47-game winning streak by two points in the Astrodome in a made-for-TV January spectacular that was instantly billed The Game of the Century. Two months later they were together again in the Final Four in Los Angeles, with the Cougars unbeaten and No. 1 and the Bruins with only that one loss. It was the rematch everyone wanted, and the nation settled back to watch college basketball’s version of Frazier vs. Ali.

What the nation got was more like an accountant vs. Ali. The first bad sign for Houston was when its student manager – selling leftover tickets from the team allotment outside the arena as coach Guy Lewis had requested – was arrested by LA police, taken to jail and charged with scalping.

It wasn’t any more pleasant inside the building for the players. Alcindor had a scratched cornea in the January meeting but was at full speed for the rematch, and he and the rest of the Bruins had a message to send. It ended 101-69. Houston star Elvin Hayes, who had vexed the Bruins with 39 points in January, was held to 10, nearly 28 points under his average.

Lewis called it then “the greatest exhibition of basketball I have ever seen in my life.” A lot of people could say that.

1982 — More than 61,000 people were in the Superdome audience when Houston took on North Carolina, which included stars such as Sam Perkins and James Worthy, and a freshman named Jordan. As was their custom back then, the Tar Heels got the lead and then four-cornered the Cougars into oblivion, 68-63.

1983 — The one that haunts the most. Phi Slama Jama was all the rage, as the high-flying Cougars soared into the national championship game by beating Louisville in a 94-81 dunkathon in the semifinals. The media immediately dubbed that game 21st century basketball, and all that was left for No. 1 Houston was to finish off a 10-loss team from North Carolina State that barely eked into the tournament.

The Wolfpack dictated a slow tempo in this pre-shot clock era, but the Cougars put together a 17-2 run for a late seven-point lead. Then Houston started missing free throws, North Carolina State rallied and had the ball in the final seconds in a 52-52 tie. Guard Dereck Whittenburg put up a desperation 30-foot shot with four seconds left that was way short and . . . you might know the rest. They do in Houston. Lorenzo Charles was waiting under the basket to grab the errant shot and slammed it home with one second left. Phi Slama Jama had lived by the dunk, and died by the dunk. The scene of North Carolina State coach Jim Valvano running wildly around the court gets replayed every spring as an iconic and wonderful tournament moment – except for the team he had just beaten.

For hollow consolation, Houston’s Akeem later-to-be-Hakeem Olajuwon was named Most Outstanding Player, and 38 years later, is still the last member of a losing team to be so.

1984 — There was enough left over of Phi Slama Jama — especially Olajuwon — that Houston returned to the national title game. But the Cougars ran into Ewing and Georgetown’s defense and lost 84-75. The golden days were over. Houston would not win another NCAA tournament game for 34 years.

The Cougars’ special brand of Final Four pain can be measured with numbers. They are one of only four programs to go to three consecutive Final Fours and not win any of them. UCLA, Ohio State and North Carolina are also in that club, but those three all have national championships from other years. Houston is also one of four programs to lose consecutive title games — with Cincinnati, Michigan and Butler.

But maybe another number explains how tough it has been for the Cougars, because the opponent has a lot to do with fate. Take away the North Carolina State fairy tale, and the four other teams Houston lost to in the Final Four had a combined record of 118-6 when they met

 

So now here the Cougars are again 37 years later, and Sampson is telling stories about how much he wishes his parents were alive to see this. And about the Sweet 16 in 2002 when he was coaching at Oklahoma, and how he was in the hospital until 4 a.m. the day of the game waiting for his father to come out of surgery with a brain aneurysm. Those Sooners would eventually get to the Final Four. And how his old boss at Oklahoma, athletics director Joe Castiglione sent Sampson a big package when he got the job at Houston. Inside the package was a ladder to both symbolize Sampson’s career climb and the hope he would be needing it to cut down nets in the future.

Final Four: Here’s what the world was like last time Baylor made it

This Houston team has nothing like the glamour of Phi Slama Jama or the Elvin Hayes bunch that took down UCLA in the middle of the Astrodome. “We may not have the brightest lights,” Sampson said, “but our lights shine as bright as anybody else’s.”

These Cougars now have a chance to do what those Houston teams could not. And if it doesn’t turn out, if there is defeat at the end for a sixth time?

Well, it’s not a bad legacy for a program to have, losing lots of Final Four games.

_______________

Culled from the NCAA.COM. Writer, Mike Lopresti is a member of the US Basketball Writers Hall of Fame, Ball State journalism Hall of Fame and Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. He has covered college basketball for 43 years, including 39 Final Fours. He is so old he covered Bob Knight when he had dark hair and basketball shorts were actually short.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.

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8th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival, Nigerian Exhibit Set to Takeover Downtown Houston

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2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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Houston, Texas – July 22, 2024 – The 8th annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival is set to light up Downtown Houston with unapologetic fashions, rich cultural displays, and lively masquerade performances on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This highly anticipated event celebrates Nigeria’s diverse heritage and contributions to the cultural landscape of Houston.

The festivities will commence with a parade through the streets of Downtown Houston near the Toyota Center, featuring traditional Nigerian attire, music, and dance. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s rich cultural traditions at the festival near Root Memorial Square, enjoying a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, music, art exhibits, and West African cuisine.

This year brings an exciting addition to the celebration! The Nigerian Exhibit at Houston City Hall is proudly presented in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs under the theme “Feels Like Home”, highlighting the city’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and unity. This exhibit will be open to the public from October 21, 2024 to January 3, 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s history, art, and cultural milestones.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to bring the Nigerian Exhibit to Houston City Hall,” said Jane Brown, Founder of Culturally Naija. “This exhibit, alongside our annual parade and festival, offers a wonderful opportunity for Houstonians to experience and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.”

Event Details:
Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival:
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Downtown Houston (1400 Clay Street, Houston, Texas 77002

Nigerian Exhibit at Houston City Hall/City Hall Annex:
Date: October 21, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

The Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and preserving Nigerian culture in Houston. The event is organized under the aegis collaboration by Culturally Naija and WeLead, Inc.

For more information about the event, please visit www.nigeriaculturalparade.com or follow the event on social media.

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Celebrate Culture and Central Green’s 11th Birthday at the Nigerian Festival in Katy, Texas

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2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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Nigeria’s vibrant and diverse culture will be on full display at the upcoming Nigerian Festival in Katy, Texas, on October 19, 2024. Hosted by Willow Fork Drainage District (WWFD), this exciting event promises an evening filled with music, dance, food, art, and activities that celebrate the rich heritage of Nigeria.

The festival, which will take place at Central Green located inside LaCenterra shopping center, is designed to bring together people from all backgrounds to experience the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture. Attendees can look forward to:
Live Music and Dance Performances: Enjoy traditional and contemporary Nigerian music and dance performances that highlight the country’s artistic diversity.

Authentic Nigerian Cuisine: Taste a variety of delicious Nigerian dishes, from jollof rice and suya to puff-puff and meat pies, prepared by a local restaurant.

Cultural Exhibitions: Explore exhibitions showcasing Nigerian art, fashion, and crafts, providing insights into the country’s history and cultural heritage.

Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in a range of activities for all ages, including face painting, caricature drawings, and traditional games.

Market Place: Shop for unique Nigerian products, including clothing, jewelry, and art pieces, at the festival marketplace.

“We are thrilled to bring the Nigerian Festival to Katy, Texas,” said Yvonne Arceneaux, WWFD Parks General Manager. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the beautiful, rich culture and traditions of Nigeria. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of fun, food, and festivities.”


The Nigerian Festival is open to the public, and admission is free. The event will run from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and all are welcome to attend.

Central Green offers a variety of year-round activities and events for all to enjoy. Check out the line-up of upcoming events at Central Green on Facebook or visit centralgreenpark.com. For a detailed map of Central Green and its location in LaCenterra, visit laceterra.com.

To learn more about Central Green, please contact Yvonne Arceneaux at yvonne@willowforkparks.com

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Sheila Jackson-Lee, Champion for Liberal Causes Fights till End

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4 days ago

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July 23, 2024

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Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Jackson-Lee fought tirelessly for her district until her final moments.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on Houston, the city faces yet another tragedy. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent Texas Democrat known for her advocacy for racial justice and progressive causes during her three decades in the House, passed away on Friday at the age of 74.

Her death was announced in a statement from her family posted on X: “Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as “Congresswoman” by her constituents in recognition for her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.”

Her passing may not have come as a shock to many of her constituents. For instance, In June, Jackson-Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in a post on X. She expressed confidence in her doctors’ treatment plan and stated, “The road ahead will be challenging, but I have faith that God will give me strength.” Indeed, throughout her career, Lee had been a strong advocate for healthcare access and cancer research, so it was fitting that she approached her own battle with such determination.

Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Jackson-Lee fought tirelessly for her district until her final moments. Just last week, she made a passionate plea to the federal government, urging the Department of Justice to investigate CenterPoint Energy, a public utility company based in Houston, Texas for their handling of power outages during Hurricane Beryl. In a display of frustration, she took to social media, stating, “Many Houstonians have been without power for a week! Some have ended up in the emergency room due to extreme heat, and tragically, a woman has lost her life. This cannot continue! It is time for a federal investigation into CenterPoint! Accountability is essential!”

She did not stop there. She wrote a formal letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and requested immediate action from the Department of Justice to investigate CenterPoint, emphasizing the need to hold the company accountable for its actions in restoring power to vulnerable residents, businesses, and government entities in Houston and Harris County.

Less than 8 hours after Jackson Lee’s passing, hundreds of condolences from government officials and members of the community have been flooding in. Former Houston Mayor and congressional colleague Sylvester Turner expressed his condolences, and highlighted Jackson-Lee’s impressive career, noting that she worked closely with and advised Presidents of the United States, engaged with global leaders, and was embraced by world-renowned artists. He also emphasized her dedication to serving underprivileged communities, securing billions of federal dollars for her district, and providing comfort to families in times of loss.

Turner further praised Jackson-Lee’s unwavering commitment to her constituents, describing her as a tireless champion for those in need. He concluded by saying, “We can truly say Sheila Jackson Lee gave her all. Rest in peace, my sister.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised Jackson Lee as a devoted public servant and a fierce advocate for her constituents. Despite battling illness, she tirelessly worked for the 18th Congressional District, collaborating with Whitmire on various projects.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo fondly remembered Jackson Lee as a friend, mentor, and relentless champion for her community. Hidalgo admired Jackson Lee’s fearlessness in using her voice to effect change not only for her constituents but for all of Harris County.

Professor Chris Ulasi, Dean of the School of Communication at Texas Southern University, and a close friend of Jackson Lee, hailed her as a true leader and a staunch ally of the university. Ulasi commended Jackson Lee’s unwavering commitment to public service and social justice, recognizing her profound impact on the community and beyond. According to Dr. Ulasi, “As a steadfast supporter of Texas Southern University and the School of Communication, Congresswoman Jackson Lee served as a guiding light for our students, faculty, and staff. Her presence on our campus, empowering TSU commencement speeches, and dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders will forever be treasured and honored.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised her as a proud Texan and a relentless champion for the people of Houston, stating, “Her commitment to public service and dedication to Texas will be remembered for years to come.” Senator Ted Cruz also expressed his condolences, calling Jackson-Lee a friend and colleague, and highlighting her unwavering advocacy for Houston.

Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York to a comic book artist father and nurse mother. She graduated from Jamaica High School, Yale University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. After moving to Houston with her husband, she became a municipal judge and later served on the Houston City Council from 1989 to 1994. During her time on the council, she worked on passing a safety ordinance regarding guns and promoted expanded summer hours at parks and recreation centers to address gang violence.

In addition to her assertive advocacy in politics, social justice, and equality, Houstonians will always remember Jackson Lee’s presence at virtually every community event. She possesses an intimate knowledge of her 18th Congressional District, akin to the Pope’s familiarity with the Vatican, and is well-acquainted with every community center, leader, and place of worship in the area.

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