PHI SLAMMA HAMMA , or PHI SLAMA HAMA , was a name given to the University of Houston Cougars’ Men’s Basketball Team Roster that traveled a short distance to San Antonio, Texas, for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Facing what many in the NCAA basketball community believed to be an elimination game for the University of Houston Cougars, this unique squad of college men utilized their determination to stave off elimination. The University of Houston Cougars gave an H-Town showdown in San Antonio, Texas, when they dropped the hammer down to eliminate the Duke Blue Devils. On this night, April 5, 2025, the Cougars Men’s Basketball Team showed the world how the Midwest was really won! Led by veteran coach Kelvin Sampson and his son, Assistant Coach Kellen Sampson, this team delivered a thrilling victory to the Houston community, culminating in a 9-0 run by the Houston Cougars with just 1:14 remaining in the game. For the first time since the 1983 and 1984 basketball seasons, the University of Houston Men’s Basketball Team will play for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship against the Florida Gators. On Monday, April 7, 2025, the University of Houston Cougars' Men's Basketball Team displayed the heart and hustle of champions.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four Roster for the University of Houston Cougars: Joseph Tugler (F) No. 11, J’Wan Roberts (F) No. 13, LJ Cryer (G) No. 4, Milos Uzran (G) No. 7, Emanual Sharp (G) No. 21, Ja’Vier Francis No. 5, Mylik Wilson No. 8, and Terrance Arceneaux No. 23.
This new millennial era of men’s basketball at the University of Houston pays homage to the original Phi Slama Jama team, which was coined by a former Houston Post sportswriter in recognition of the team’s three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Final Four from 1982 to 1984. The team’s all-star players were led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. Their head coach was the infamous Guy Lewis.
