Sport

40 Years After Phi Slama Jama, There,s Hope in Houston for a Better Finish

Forty years after the historic Phi Slama Jama men's basketball team at the University of Houston, there is renewed hope for a better finish in the NCAA tournament.

The 1983-84 Houston Cougars, known as Phi Slama Jama, are remembered as one of the most athletic and exciting teams in college basketball history. Led by future Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and Michael Young, the Cougars advanced to the NCAA championship game, only to fall to the Georgetown Hoyas.

Since then, Houston has failed to return to the Final Four, despite playing in four Sweet Sixteens and three Elite Eights. But this season, the Cougars appear poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars are 24-3 and ranked sixth in the country. They feature a balanced attack, with four players averaging in double figures and six averaging at least seven points per game.

The Cougars have been among the nation's best defensive teams all season, holding opponents to just 62 points per game, good for fifth in the country. Sampson's team has also been excellent at the free-throw line, connecting on nearly 75 percent of their attempts.

The Cougars are also well-rested, thanks to a favorable schedule. Houston has not played a road game since February 7, and they have enjoyed an extended break since their last game, March 11.

Houston is hopeful that this season's team can make a run similar to that of Phi Slama Jama. With an experienced coach, a balanced attack and a favorable schedule, the Cougars are in prime position to make a deep run in the tournament. The pieces are in place for Houston to make a run at a national championship, and the city is eagerly awaiting their return to the Final Four.