As Houston prepares to host the 2023 Final Four, the Cougars are ready to challenge for the national title

With the beginning of March, Madness begins. With the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament taking place in Houston this year, all eyes are on the top-ranked Houston Cougars University.

Throughout the season, Houston was ranked in the top 5 in Associated Press basketball polls and ranked number one four times.

With a 27-2 record, the pressure is mounting as the championship takes place just a few miles from campus at NRG Stadium in early April.

After last week’s victory over East Carolina, Houston won the American Athletic Conference regular season title for the fourth time in five years.

Head coach Kelvin Sampson has changed the program over the past few years but continues to focus on what’s ahead and doesn’t let wins go to his head.

“I don’t really think about it,” Sampson said. “We have been winning for a very, very long time. I just never get into it. There will be time to think about things, but now is not the time.”

Sampson wants his team to improve by watching professional basketball.

“All my coaches sit down and meet, and we constantly look at what other people are doing, especially the guys from the NBA, in terms of player development. We’re just trying to get better,” Sampson said.

Focus goes deep as both Sampson and his players prepare to end the regular season on the road against Memphis on Sunday.

“You know, it’s just that our efforts are getting better,” junior guard Jamal Shkhed said. “A lot of people play a lot harder, for longer periods of time, so that’s something we’re constantly blaming and that’s something we’re happy with.”

Senior guard Markus Sasser agrees.

“Coming together as a team is always a positive thing in March. In March, we will show our best basketball,” Sasser said.

Both players know there is a lot of work to be done after the season ends as they move on to tournament play.

“Really everything,” Sasser said.

The American Athletic Conference tournament in Fort Worth, where Houston will take first place, will be held from March 9 to 12. The Cougars are favorites to win the conference tournament.

Then the basketball frenzy kicks in, starting with qualifying Sunday March 12th. The tournament kicks off on March 16, while the Final Four will be held April 1-3 at the NRG Stadium.