The Forever Coogs (Houston alumni) team have won three straight games in The Basketball Tournament and are halfway to the winning total of $1 million.
The Coogs beat Austin’s own 71-60, followed that up with an incredible comeback win vs Once a Bronco 69-66, and delivered a strong late performance in the sweet 16 to beat Challenge ALS 75-70 last Tuesday.
Now set to face Team Colorado (Colorado alumni) in The Basketball Tournament quarterfinal at Fertitta Center on Tuesday at 8 pm, Houston is getting a huge boost with the addition of former UH forward Fabian White Jr, the winningest athlete in Cougars history with a 121-28 record and a key member of the 2021 Final Four team and Sweet 16 teams. White Jr averaged almost 13 points and 6 rebounds per game, while shooting 49% from the field in 2021-22. The Atascocita native was a leader of the Coogs in the 2022 season.
“Big culture guy, he understands what we need to win, extremely happy to have him for defense, rebounding, scoring, applying pressure. I’m super grateful he’s here,” said Rob Gray, former UH guard.
The 6’8 forward had the idea before summer league of playing in TBT, but now wants to help the Forever Coogs win the whole thing. Being much closer to the $1 million winning total certainly adds to the excitement for the players.
“It’s a blessing and a lot of memories playing with these guys, great moments and adversity with Coach Sampson, it’s a family now,” said White.
The former UH forward is happy to be here and was keeping up with the scores of the Forever Coogs while at summer league. However, White understands the difference of joining the team halfway through.
“I don’t want to ruin the chemistry, but it’s gonna be natural. When I come in, I’ll play hard Cougar basketball,” said White. “The underlying thing we have in common is we’re all dawgs, as long as we’re all dawgs we’ll be good on the court.”
White’s mother will be in attendance for the game and will loudly support.
Former starting point guard for the 2021 Final Four team Dejon Jarreau had commitments with the Memphis Grizzlies as well as an injury so he will not be able to participate.
8 teams are remaining in the tournament which makes it even more exciting for the team one step away from Philadelphia.
“Definitely need to put some more fans in here, we got to hold up the end of our bargain, all the fans, please please please be here Tuesday night,” said Gray.