BASKETBALL

Former University of Houston forward Reggie Chaney has died, according to a statement released by head men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.

When it comes to giving back to the hometown he loves, being one of the best power forwards in the NBA, and unique style, Los Angeles Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt is no stranger.

For years, Chris Johnson starred at Fort Bend Elkins High School as one of the top high school basketball players, not just in Houston but in the entire country.

The Houston Rockets have not had discussions regarding former Rockets center and current Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela, a league source told KPRC 2.

In one of the biggest off seasons in recent franchise history, the Houston Rockets will continue to build out their roster through NBA free agency.

This Thursday, All-American and former Houston Cougar standout Marcus Sasser said he expects to hear his name called at the NBA draft, completing a lifelong dream.

The Big 12 Conference announced Thursday that it will launch a Big 12 Mexico, which will be the conference’s first international extension of men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball games.

The Rockets have an agreement in place with Ime Udoka to become new Head Coach

Rice University’s all-time leader in three-pointers, Quincy Olivari, has a new home. The sharp-shooter announced that he is heading to the Big East Conference to join the Xavier Musketeers.

Arcadia, California native Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Ph.D., began working as a NASA astronaut in 1998.

The UConn Huskies delivered one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, bringing home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.

No ticket to the big game? No problem! 8th Wonder Brewery has plenty of room (and beverages!) for everyone!

With every sweet victory and sour defeat, the paths of each team have led to the Men’s Final Four Championship this Monday.

LSU's win was not the big talking point for many after the game.

The 2023 Men’s Final Four was one of high energy, excitement, and history in the making.

A brand-new basketball court was revealed Tuesday at the historic Blue Triangle Center in Third Ward by the NCAA Men’s Final Four, Houston Local Organizing Committee (HLOC), and Degree Deodorant.

March 31 - April 3, 2023 to be commemorated as Men’s Final Four Week.

High school basketball action available live on the KPRC 2+ app

A big high school baseball match-up will be streaming live Friday evening on the KPRC 2+ app.

For the fourth straight season, the University of Houston Men’s Basketball Team will play in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.

As the city of Houston and the Toyota Center to prepares to host the 46th annual McDonald’s All-American Games at the end of March, one of Houston’s most popular rappers will be hitting the stage during halftime.

After a three-day pause, the madness will resume on Thursday with the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.

The countdown is on! In less than two weeks, the NCAA Men’s Final Four will be in Houston. Houston is known for hosting big events like the Rodeo, the Super Bowl, and the World Cup, and this big event is also expected to bring in thousands of fans and millions of dollars to the city.

Enter for your chance to win tickets to the NCAA Fan Fest in Houston on April 2!

University of Houston fans forecast a victory ahead of their first game in the 2023 NCAA Men's Division I basketball tournament

You're invited to the 2023 NCAA Final Four Fan Events.

At the University of Houston, you can hear cheers and chants complimented by a flag of forecasted victory.

Hey guys, it’s Ari Alexander with your Rockets newsletter as Houston gets a much-needed All-Star break as the team is on a seven-game losing streak.

High school basketball action available live on the KPRC 2+ app

Two high school basketball games will be available live on KPRC 2 and on the KPRC 2+ app.

Two high school basketball games will be available to watch live on the KPRC 2+ app Tuesday night.

It was a night this community will never forget.

Get out your party hats and let’s celebrate Houston Rockets legend and NBA icon Hakeem Olajuwon as we celebrate his 60th birthday this weekend!

Two high school basketball games will be available to watch live on the KPRC 2+ app Friday night.

Two high school basketball games will be available live on KPRC 2 and on the KPRC 2+ app on Tuesday night.

An iconic basketball jersey worn by Kobe Bryant from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers will be put up for auction next month.

The NBA announced Tuesday that the Defensive Player of the Year award has been renamed “The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy“ in honor of the Hall of Famer and former Rockets star.

Cougars remain unbeaten and will host #8 Alabama on Saturday

Chancellor Johnson checking in for NBA Tip-Off week! As the Astros continue to chase their quest for another World Series title it can be easy to forget their neighbors down the street, the Houston Rockets. They’ll begin their season on Wednesday.

Entrepreneur Natalie White talks about launching the first footwear brand focused specifically on women’s basketball

Ahead of their season opener this Friday, the Houston Rockets have signed guard Kevin Porter Jr. to a multi-year extension on Monday.

If you shop online for clothes or furniture, sneakers or concert tickets, you’ve seen the option at checkout to “buy now, pay later” by breaking the cost into smaller installments over time.

If there’s anybody who knows a thing or two about the Houston Rockets’ #3 overall pick, Jabari Smith Jr., It’s his college head coach, Bruce Pearl.

The Houston Rockets have declined forward Jae’Sean Tate’s $1.8 million team option, which sets up Tate to become a restricted free agent, a league source confirmed to KPRC 2.

Houston Cougars star and the program’s winningest player Fabian White Jr. signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a summer league deal for the former Atascocita forward, a league source tells KPRC 2.

Mya Hollingshed was drafted to the Las Vegas Aces! Congrats, Mya!

KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy is in San Antonio for Thursday’s NCAA tournament matchup between the University of Houston and University of Arizona’s basketball teams. This is the Coogs third straight Sweet 16 appearance, and they’ll be battling a tough opponent.

March is one of the best months of the year because we get the Rodeo, our first taste of spring weather, and lots of college basketball!

In case you've ever looked at an NCAA Tournament bracket and wondered, "Where the heck is that school located?," we have just the quiz for you.

With the big NCAA Tournament tournament quickly approaching, don’t you want to be ready to blow your spouse’s mind by knowing exactly what’s going on?

John Walker III scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half and Texas Southern pulled away for an 87-62 victory over Alcorn State on Saturday in the championship game of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament, earning the Tigers an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Humble native Seth Haynes has committed to the University of Arizona to play wheelchair basketball, five years after a car accident left him paralyzed.

Harris was the leading scorer and rebounder at the 1976 Olympics for the U.S., which won the silver medal.

Owls open basketball season with easy win over Pepperdine

There’ll be some NBA history made during Thursday night’s Houston Rockets/Utah Jazz game, and it happens to coincide with Filipino American Heritage Month.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the WNBA came out with its top 25 players ever from which fans can then select their choice for Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

If you’re not in front of a television and don’t want to miss a minute of Olympic action, coverage can be streamed right from your computer or phone.

If you’re not in front of a television and don’t want to miss a minute of Olympic action, coverage can be streamed right from your computer or phone.

The quest for a seventh consecutive gold medal continues tonight for Team USA women’s basketball. The team which has won 50 straight Olympic Games faces Japan starting at 11:40 p.m. Houston time.

There is one word that comes to mind when you hear Lisa Leslie’s name: baller.

Kendrick Perkins is known for many things, along them are strong opinions, vast knowledge of all things basketball, and giving back. The ESPN NBA analyst and Houston resident joined KPRC Sports Reporter Vanesa Richardson for a one-on-one on Sports Sunday.

Brittney Griner and Ariel Atkins are players with local ties on this year's Team USA women's basketball Olympic roster revealed on Monday morning.

One of Houston’s high school basketball rising stars, Jacold Cole, participated in Team USA’s Junior Nation Team mini-camp recently.

The 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Class is one of history’s deepest, with legends like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett representing the modern era of basketball.

Shaquille O'Neal's youngest son Shaqir has committed to play his college basketball at Texas Southern University.

Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey has left Baylor to return home and take over the LSU women’s basketball team.

Since arriving in Waco in 2003 Scott Drew has built a winning culture on and off the court.

Haley Jones scored 17 points and Stanford beat Arizona 54-53, giving the Cardinal and coach Tara VanDerveer their first national championship in 29 years.

Who is America rooting for in the Final Four?

The “Whose House? Coog’s House!” chant can be heard at every University of Houston sporting event, but most don’t know that it dates back to 1988.

Both the University of Houston and Baylor University men’s basketball teams have made it to the Final Four at the NCAA tournament this year.

Mattress Mack gives out nearly 20,000 face masks FridayHOUSTON – In true “Mattress Mack” fashion, the business owner will send several University of Houston students to the Final Four game against Baylor this Saturday. Jim McIngvale and Gallery Furniture will also host a Coogs Pep Rally at the Gallery Furniture on North Freeway on Thursday at 11 a.m.During the pep rally, several UH students will win a round-trip charter flight to Indianapolis, tickets to the game and hotel accommodations. The public is welcome to show their Cougar pride in the parking lot of the pep rally. The lucky Final Four trip winners will board a private jet on Friday with the families of the UH coaches to attend the game.

Two Texas teams have reached the NCAA Final Four tournament in Indianapolis, and social media is buzzing with excitement.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)It’s not easy to bury a team as good as USC, let alone in a half, no matter how easy Gonzaga made it look. He asked Few the day before their game against the high-flying Trojans whether his defense was getting lost in the shuffle. “Obviously, I think he’s the best defender in the country,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. Then Baylor’s bout with the virus came late in the season, requiring a pause of three weeks plus. After everything else fans weathered throughout this wacky season, a few more days might finally deliver a national championship game worth the wait.

An all-Texas national-semifinal takes over Indianapolis on Saturday. No.1 seed Baylor, the champions of the south region will face the No. 2 seed Houston, the champions of the midwest region.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – One by one, South Carolina players walked through the confetti and climbed the ladder to cut down the net in the Alamodome. Zia Cooke scored 16 points and South Carolina used its stifling defense to advance to the Final Four for the third time, shutting down Texas for a 62-34 victory Tuesday night. Top-seeded South Carolina blocked 14 shots, nine by Laeticia Amihere, and held No. “It says they're locked in,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. South Carolina answered with a 3-pointer from Henderson to start the Gamecocks on the run that would put the game away.

A Supreme Court case being argued this week amid March Madness could erode the difference between elite college athletes and professional sports stars. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)San Antonio is home to the NCAA Women’s Tournament, and three Texas schools were represented in the Sweet 16. Here’s a look at how they did on the second weekend in San Antonio:TEXAS A&MThe Aggies and Gary Blair were the earliest to lose, bowing out in the Sweet 16 to Arizona. 1 seed UConn before DiDi Richards hurt her leg. #ncaaW pic.twitter.com/amSH91IEQV — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 30, 2021TEXASThe Longhorns pulled two huge upsets in the second round and Sweet 16, beating 3-seed UCLA and 2-seed Maryland on their way to the Elite 8.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)INDIANAPOLIS – Baylor had been on the cusp of the Final Four twice before under coach Scott Drew, falling to the eventual champion both times. Baylor is headed there for the first time in 71 years, getting 22 points from MaCio Teague and a dominating defensive performance from Davion Mitchell to beat Arkansas 81-72 on Monday night. The top-seeded Bears (26-2) appeared to be barreling toward ending their Final Four drought with a dominating start. That left the Bears short of the Final Four dating back to when the bracket was only eight teams. He gave Arkansas all kinds of trouble on the pick-and-roll in the second half, finishing with 12 points and six assists.

Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) drives on Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Houston. But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, his first triple-double since March 17, 2016. The Rockets closed out the third quarter with an 88-86 lead and opened the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run to pull away. AdThe Raptors led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. In their losing streak, Houston led after the first quarter only three times, including on Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31-30.

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Cougars’ late game win over Rutgers University had the campus buzzing Monday with talk of a sweet success. The Coogs advanced to the Sweet 16 to take on Syracuse Orange on Saturday. AdDutton also had the following message for Syracuse: “Get ready to lose.”Other students said they think the Coogs will make it all the way this year. “I think we’re going to go all the way. The University of Houston recently launched a retro line of gear in celebration of Phi Slama Jama.

Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) shoots as Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) defends during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 19, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taromina/Pool Photo via AP)(AP) – Frank Jackson had a season-high 23 points and the Detroit Pistons handed the Houston Rockets their franchise-record 19th straight loss, 113-100 on Friday night. It was fun being out there.”Jerami Grant added 18 points, Josh Jackson had 15, and Isaiah Stewart 13. Wall had 21 points and seven assists, Oladipo had 19 points, and Wood 18 points and 11 rebounds. Wood averaged 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 62 games and 12 starts with Detroit last season before signing with Houston in the offseason.

HOUSTON – Danilo Gallinari scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half and the Atlanta Hawks beat Houston 119-107 on Tuesday night, dealing the Rockets a franchise record-tying 17th straight loss. “Our defense in the fourth quarter really gave us the win,” Hawks coach Nate McMillan said. Five Hawks scored in double figures by halftime, and six scored at least 10 in the game. Rockets: Houston is hopeful Wood (ankle) can return Wednesday against the Warriors. Rockets: Houston hosts Golden State on Wednesday night.

The Basketball season has come to a close as the State Finals have been decided! Now it's time for the fans to name their Player of the Year! The VYPE Houston Girl's Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll is now live! All athlete polls and their content are only associated and created by VYPE Media and its staff. Please contact VYPE Media directly if you have any questions, comments, or concerns around our Fan Polls.

(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson celebrates with the team following Houston's win over Cincinnati an NCAA college basketball game in the final round of the American Athletic Conference men's tournament Sunday, March 14, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)This weekend, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the University of Texas won their respective conference tournament championships. But those were not the only Texas teams headed to the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Here’s a look at which teams in Texas officially punched their tickets to the Big Dance Sunday.

(AP) – Karl Nicholas scored 16 points and pulled down 12 rebounds as Texas Southern placed five in double-figure scoring to upset top-seeded Prairie View A&M 80-61 in the Southwest Athletic Conference championship game Saturday night. Texas Southern shot 51% (29 of 57), adding 19 of 27 at the free-throw line. Gillam and Hopkins each scored five during the burst in which TSU held Prairie View to 3-of-11 shooting and two turnovers. Prairie View shot 34% for the game (24 of71) and had just five assists. Texas Southern is 1-8 in the NCAA Tournament, defeating North Carolina Central in the 2018 First Four for its lone win.

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz returned with a win, though not one they felt like celebrating. The only bright spot Snyder allowed was: “We executed the last three minutes.”Playing for the first time since March 3, the NBA leaders handed the Rockets their 15th straight loss. AdBojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson each scored 15 but the Jazz needed a late run to close out the Rockets. During the 16-2 run, the ragtag Rockets forced three Jazz misses in a row and then a trio of turnovers to make their comeback. Jazz: Utah now allows 5,600 fans in the arena, up from the 3,900 capacity before the break.

Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars looks on during a semifinal game of the 2018 AAC Basketball Championship against the Wichita State Shockers at Amway Center on March 10, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. HOUSTON – Kelvin Sampson isn’t leaving Houston anytime soon. Sampson, who is coming off his sixth consecutive 20-win season, has signed a contract extension with the University of Houston through the 2026-2027 season. “Kelvin is a great ambassador for our university and the city of Houston,” University of Houston Board of Regents Chairman and Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta said. Sampson and the Coogs are hoping for a deep run in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

The Basketball season is drawing to a close as the State Finals rapidly approach! Now it's time for the fans to name their Player of the Year! The VYPE Houston Boy's Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll is now live! All athlete polls and their content are only associated and created by VYPE Media and its staff. Please contact VYPE Media directly if you have any questions, comments, or concerns around our Fan Polls.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 22: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a lay up ahead of P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter of a game at the Toyota Center on February 22, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. During that second burst, Houston missed four shots, two of which were air balls, and had a turnover. Rockets: Oladipo missed his fourth straight game.

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett dunks next to Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, in New York. (Wendell Cruz/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK (AP) – Julius Randle and rookie Immanuel Quickley each scored 22 points and the New York Knicks sent the Houston Rockets to a season-high fifth straight loss with a 121-99 victory Saturday night. “I thought the unselfishness was important and then we had a number of guys just step up and make shots,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. ... Ray Spalding scored two points in his Rockets’ debut after being called up from the Rockets’ NBA G League affiliate Friday and signed to a two-way contract. The Knicks said Robinson was evaluated by their medical staff Saturday and surgery was recommended.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)DALLAS – Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban relented Wednesday and the national anthem will be played before home games this season after the NBA reiterated its “longstanding league policy” to include the song. “With NBA teams now in the process of welcoming fans back into their arenas, all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy,” the league said. It's been quite a day.”The Mavericks released a statement from Cuban while acknowledging the club would return to playing the anthem. “We have no problem playing the national anthem at all,” Cuban said. “I stand for the national anthem.

John Wall scored 25 points and Eric Gordon 23 for Houston, which lost its third straight. AdNew Orleans led by as many as 20 when Ball's 3 made it 82-62 in the middle of the third quarter. AdIngram added a 3 and a jumper during the spurt, which put the Pelicans up 61-43. Pelicans: First-round draft pick Kira Lewis Jr. scored 10 points to go with two rebounds and an assist in 20 minutes. Pelicans: Visits Chicago on Wednesday night for the first of four straight on the road.

Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets gets off a shot around Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 18, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. CHICAGO – Zach LaVine scored 33 points, and the Chicago Bulls overcame a strong effort by Victor Oladipo in his Houston debut, beating the Rockets 125-120 on Monday night. Oladipo looked good in his first game for Houston, pouring in 32 points. Bulls: The Bulls held out rookie forwards Patrick Williams (bruised right hip) and Otto Porter Jr. (strained lower back). Bulls: The Bulls play at Charlotte on Friday before the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers visit on Saturday.

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2020, file photo, Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo shoots during practice at the team's NBA basketball training facility in Indianapolis. Oladipo was rounding into form when the NBA suddenly stopped. Oladipo met with the media over Zoom, and expressed his excitement to play in Houston. I know where we’re at right now, and I know there’s a lot of room to grow, a lot of room to get better, and I just want to be part of that,” said Oladipo. “I think that that’s huge, because there’s a respect level there,” said Oladipo.

Rockets owner Charlie Thomas looks up at right. HOUSTON – Charlie Thomas, the former owner of the Houston Rockets, died Friday. Thomas bought Houston’s NBA team in 1982 for about $10 million and sold it in 1993 for about $85 million. Current Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said in a statement posted on Twitter that the team is deeply saddened by Thomas’ passing. “Charlie was a great friend, business partner, and true Texan who loved his Rockets,” Fertitta said in the statement.

Kenyon Martin Jr. #6 of the Houston Rockets drives for two over Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on January 14, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)SAN ANTONIO – Christian Wood had 27 points and 15 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-105 on Thursday night in their first game since trading away franchise cornerstone James Harden. Spurs veteran DeMar DeRozan missed a 15-footer with 0.4 seconds left, and San Antonio fouled P.J. The teams meet again Saturday at the AT&T Center in the finale of a two-game set in San Antonio. Spurs: San Antonio is 6-3 with LaMarcus Aldridge in the lineup.

HOUSTON – LeBron James scored 26 points in just more than three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in a 117-100 rout of the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Anthony Davis added 19 points and 10 rebounds in three quarters to help the Lakers to their second straight blowout over the Rockets after a 120-102 victory Sunday night. Los Angeles led by 20 or more for most of the game on a night James Harden made just 5 of 16 shots and the Rockets were outrebounded 55-42. “We’ve got a common goal to compete every night, to play championship basketball and be accountable," James said. UP NEXTLakers: Visit Oklahoma City on Wednesday night before returning home for two games beginning on Saturday night against New Orleans.

Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood shoots over Orlando Magic forward Gary Clark, left, and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON (AP) – Christian Wood scored 22 points and tied a career high with 15 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 132-90 rout of the short-handed Orlando Magic on Friday night. Houston was up by 29 at halftime and had extended the lead to 81-43 after consecutive 3-pointers by John Wall and P.J. Harden had 15 points and 13 assists, and Tucker added 15 points. He scored 15 points on 5-for-5 3-point shooting.

Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 6, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS – Malcolm Brogdon scored a career-high 35 points and made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:22 to go, leading the Indiana Pacers past the Houston Rockets 114-107 on Wednesday night. Pacers: Holiday's first 3-pointer of the game late in the first quarter was his 133rd off the bench for Indiana. ... Doug McDermott left in the second half with a sprained left ankle and did not return.