University of Houston’s Big 12 Tournament Championship
The University of Houston has won the Big 12 Tournament championship, but for guard LJ Cryer, the celebration is already over. Cryer is focused on the next challenge, the NCAA Tournament, and is ready to move on from the Big 12 championship.
A Team Obsessed with Winning
Cryer’s obsession with winning is matched by his coach, Kelvin Sampson, who is known for his competitive energy and unique way of connecting with his players. Sampson’s son, Kellen, describes him as "the most talented individual I’ve ever been around" and says that he’s "in his prime." Sampson’s ability to adapt and make changes on the fly was on display during the Big 12 championship game, where he scrapped the team’s entire offensive game plan at halftime and replaced it with a new one that featured "ghost screens" to give the team’s guards more room to operate.
A Team Effort
The University of Houston’s success in the Big 12 Tournament was a team effort, with different players stepping up in each game. In the opener against Colorado, true freshman guard Mercy Miller came off the bench to energize the team. Against BYU, 6-foot-3 veteran guard Mylik Wilson turned himself into a rebound and block master, grabbing 13 rebounds and making two highlight-reel blocks. In the championship game against Arizona, backup center Ja’Vier Francis saved the win with his offensive rebounding and a crucial dunk with the clock inside 45 seconds.
A March Dunk to Remember
Francis’ dunk was a memorable moment in the championship game, and it was a testament to the team’s ability to adapt and make plays when it matters most. Francis described the play as a "loose ball" that he grabbed and took to the rim, saying "I tried to hand it off actually, it kind of bounced around. And it was just a loose ball, grabbed it." The dunk was a title-saver, and it capped off an impressive performance by Francis.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament
For Cryer and the University of Houston, the focus is now on the NCAA Tournament. The team is expected to receive a No. 1 seed and will likely start with a Thursday first-round game in Wichita, Kansas. Cryer is ready for the challenge, saying "I mean I didn’t come to Houston to win the Big 12 Tournament championship. I came here because I felt like they were going to help me win the big one." With the team’s talent, depth, and coaching, they are a contender to win it all.
Conclusion
The University of Houston’s Big 12 Tournament championship is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. With their sights set on the NCAA Tournament, the team is ready to take on the best teams in the country. With Cryer’s obsession with winning and Sampson’s unique coaching style, the University of Houston is a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament.
