Whether you’re a ride-or-die Coog or just watching because your group chat said “this one’s big,” we’ve got you covered. Before tipoff, here’s your crash course in Houston Hoops — so you can yell at the TV with purpose.

One of the members of the iconic 1980s 'Phi Slama Jama' crew on Houston Life!

June 22, 2021 marks the 59th birthday for Houston basketball legend Clyde Drexler. Number 22 first made a name for himself as part of the iconic Phi Slama Jama team at the University Houston. He eventually dominated in the NBA as well and has had his number retired at both the college and the professional level.

As the University of Houston men’s basketball team prepares to take on the Baylor Bears this weekend in the Final Four, KPRC 2′s Kris Gutierrez sat down with a couple of former UH basketball players from the epic Phi Slama Jama era.

The University of Houston beat Ohio State 74-59 and clinched a spot in the Sweet 16. The last time the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team went to the Sweet 16 was in the Phi Slama Jama days back in 1984. 1, 2 and 3 seed will reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade. But when you’re 33 and 3 , you’re really good at one thing and that’s winning,” said Coach Kelvin Sampson. Every 1-, 2- and 3-seed also reached the Sweet 16 in 2009, which was the first time that had happened since the bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985.