Support for the Coogs - Davis: "it's amazing"; Robinson: "definitely cool"

The Saxenian Family

POSTED: March 24, 2019 -- 8:50 a.m. CDT

The No. 3 seed Houston Cougars (32-3) face the No. 11 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (20-14) Sunday evening, at approximately 7:40 p.m. (Central Time), in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The game will be shown on TNT.

Friday, for Houston's first round match-up versus the Georgia State Panthers, the University of Houston held a watch party in downtown Houston. Based on this picture tweeted by UH Chancellor (and President) Renu Khator, Friday's event was very well attended:

The support the city of Houston is showing and has shown for Head Coach Kelvin Sampson's team is impressive to see and is a great example of how much progress Coach Sampson's program has done in five years. The players notice the support they're receiving; and, they appreciate the love.

"Actually, it's amazing to know we have the whole city behind us," said Houston senior guard Corey Davis Jr. "It goes to show how much they support us, even when they can't make the games, get a watch party and almost have the whole entire city at watch. It's cool. We get pictures and little messages of like the watch parties or videos or whatever the case may be. It's really cool."

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The Saxenian Family

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Teammate Galen Robinson Jr. agreed, "Definitely cool, definitely a blessing. A testament to how far we've come, you know what I mean?"

Robinson has spent all 4 of his collegiate years attending UH and playing for Coach Sampson. He's been a part of the program's transformation; and, he remembers when attending Houston Cougars' home games was not exactly "the thing" to do.

"I remember there were times we didn't have that. Like I said, we used to go to frat houses and they used to rush us off the doorstep. Now everybody is supporting us. I'm thankful for that and the fans and the support they give us."

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The Saxenian Family

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Robinson is a very proud Houstonian. His love for the city is unquestioned.

"It's (Houston) definitely a part of me, definitely a part of who I am, a big chunk of my heart -- I'm just Houston in a nutshell," Robinson said proudly. "I don't even know. I love my city, love them a whole lot, born and raised. Love my school. I get to wear "Houston" on my chest. Can't put a price tag on that. You can't. I'm thankful Coach Sampson gave me the opportunity to do so in front of my family and friends every night. I'm just blessed to be in this position."

Coach Sampson credits Robinson for believing in his vision when Sampson recruited Robinson to sign his national letter of intent and attend UH.

Growing up, Robinson says he dreamed of playing in the NCAA Tournament; and, now, for 2 straight seasons, the dream has become reality.

"I always dreamed about it," Robinson acknowledged. "I never thought I'd actually get here. When I was making my decision, I wasn't worried about no March Madness. I just wanted to just play, first and foremost. The more I played and the more I -- my freshman year, we had a really good team. We didn't make the NCAA Tournament. But, it became more of a reality, more of a goal; and, it started to seem more attainable. I think our last year we definitely kicked down the door for years of success to come in the future. So, but to be one of the first guys to buy into a vision, I'm just blessed that -- I'm just blessed that I did, because Lord knows where I would be."

The winner of the Houston - Ohio State game will face the 2-seed Kentucky on Friday, March 29, in Kansas City, MO. Game time and broadcasting network for that game to be announced later.

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