Imagine missing out on the most iconic conclusion in men’s NCAA Tournament history, as Jim Valvano ran across the court and Lorenzo Charles steered the ball in the hoop. It would be an agonizing moment that would be replayed every March from 1983 to the end of time.
Imagine making a run with Hall of Famers like Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler that is so exceptional and unique in college basketball history, only to be known for losing three consecutive Final Fours.
Imagine being irrelevant for decades before making a comeback to the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and losing to Jordan Poole’s unlikely, off-balance, game-winning three-pointer that advanced Michigan to the Sweet 16. There was a video which went viral showing the final moment of the game. You can check it out below.
Last year, you might have thought you were headed back to the Final Four, only to see your best player, Jamal Shead, sprain his ankle.
Over the course of many years, Houston supporters have endured, endured, and internalized these things. Jim Nantz, the CBS Sports commentator and Houston’s most well-known fan and alum, stated late Saturday night in the middle of an Alamodome that he was still in shock at what had just transpired. He stated:
“We’ve had a lot of close calls that never went our way, a lot of close finishes that led to heartbreak,” “Tonight, we got one.”
And perhaps the one that makes up for everything else if Houston defeats Florida in Monday night’s national final.
