Selection Sunday sets Houston’s NCAA Tournament path

Six games are all that stand between Houston men’s basketball and a national title. 

One loss, and that dream vanishes, along with its season.

That’s why the mindset freshman guard Kingston Flemings and Houston carries is vital after being revealed as the No. 2 seed of the NCAA Tournament’s South Region.

One year ago, Flemings found himself watching Houston’s name get called from home during Selection Sunday. 

Fast-forward one year later and he had a front-row seat for what it’s like as a key member of the team.

“Just coming in there, and fighting every single game. This could be one of our last times playing together,” Flemings said. “Just fighting every single game and trying to get wins.”

If Houston is to get past the tournament’s first weekend, it will find itself at Toyota Center just miles up the road from Fertitta Center for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.

But what could be an advantage later isn’t remotely a thought now to Houston. 

“I haven’t thought about that, not going to think about it,” coach Kelvin Sampson said. “Out of respect for how hard it is to win a game.”

Through his “twenty-something” years in the NCAA tournament, Sampson has seen several large upsets in its first round.

“If you’re a coach, stuff like (thinking beyond upcoming game) doesn’t seep through your mindset,” Sampson said.

Houston knows first-hand how difficult it is to win and put up a tournament resume, competing in a Big 12 conference that allows for no days off. 

Finishing the regular season second in the conference with an 14-4 mark against Big 12 opponents, the Cougars had one last opportunity to make a case for a No. 1 seed ahead of Selection Sunday. 

The Cougars won their first two games of the Big 12 tournament against BYU and Kansas to advance to the championship game, falling short 79-74 to No. 1 Arizona. 

Whether it’s a No. 1 seed or No. 2, the only thing that changes for Houston is the opponent. 

“We’re still approaching every game with the mindset of competing at a high level, and going out and winning every game,” redshirt senior guard Emanuel Sharp said. 

For the freshmen like Flemings, forward Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Isiah Harwell, who are experiencing March Madness for the first time, competing at a high level is something they’ve done non-stop since their first summer practice.

While they are experiencing it for the first time, the veterans know just what the moment brings.

“March Madness, that’s what it’s all about,” Sharp said. “For these guys, it’s their first time. I remember how I felt when I was a freshman so I know they’re excited.”

Houston now prepares to take on 15-seeded Idaho in its opening round matchup, which begins on Thursday, 9:10 p.m. at Oklahoma City.