New Reasons
• The Cougars' rise in the American helped earn their jump to the Big 12, where there was no thought they could continue on the same path, but have punked the Big 12 in consecutive years by a combined six games.
• Houston enters the Sweet 16 having won a national best 15 consecutive games, its last loss coming on February 1, a single-point OT setback to another Sweet 16 teams, Texas Tech.
• Three of Houston's four losses this year are in OT, the only regulation setback coming to Auburn in the infamous "Fight or Flight" game, where the Tigers chose both and pulled out a 74-69 win.
• Houston's resume reads like five teams' strengths condensed into one: Best in the nation in defensive efficiency and 3-point shooting, best in the Big 12in blocked shots on defense and offense, offensive rebound percentage and steal percentage on offense. Good luck.
• One of Kelvin Sampson's first coaching jobs was Washington State, where he had a role player by the name of LaVar Ball, who had a couple of sons who became NBA players. Sampson's assessment of Ball's abilities according to the Lewiston (Idaho) Tribune: “We could lock LaVar in a barn for two hours and I don’t think he’d score 20 points. His role is not to score points.”
Original Reasons
• Underrated part of coaching is getting college-aged men to show up and perform consistently night after night. Nobody does that better than Kelvin Sampson. Dude's been in the Big 12 two years, been Coach of the Year in both.
• Back as high seed after missing chance last year when Jamal Shead was lost to injury in tight Sweet 16 loss to Duke. Dominated the Big 12 again. Won by two games last year, four this year. With all eyes on the SEC and Duke, feels like the Coogs are getting slept on.
• Second best defense in the nation according to KenPom and only four teams play a slower pace. A date with Houston is as enjoyable as getting your wisdom teeth removed.
• Last year's Coogs were the second best defensive team in America behind Iowa State, per KenPom. This year's is No. 2 behind St. Johns ... but this year's team is potent from 3-point range, fourth nationally with three high-volume shooters (LJ Cryer, Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp) hitting at better than 40%.
• No coach is as hungry for a title as Sampson, with his 21st NCAA Tournament team. His first was in 1994 when another group of Cougars -- Washington State -- clinched a berth with a win in the regular-season finale over Cal. The Golden Bears point guard? Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
Shawn O'Neal