Quite a lot, most likely. You’re overrating how much of this is driven by real, on-court results, rather than branding and availability bias. I’m skeptical that many people, when asked this question, wouldn’t forget that Houston is a team in the State of Texas.
It supports my contention that Houston does indeed try to be the best in the State of Texas in various fields.
Just like others do.
It was in response to 1927 making a dumb argument about which school is most closely identified with Texas.
In men’s basketball…I’m pretty sure that most fans TODAY would say Houston.
Any questions?
All right then.
I doubt it.
Somebody post a poll at the top of this board and we’ll settle that.
You might be the only person here that would pick Baylor or UT.
This board is obviously not neutral. Come on now, be serious.
If you want a real answer, ask TCU or UNT or Texas State; they’re most likely to have unbiased opinions.
I feel pretty confident that even if that poll were posted nationally, most TODAY would say Houston.
They might have answered “Baylor” were the poll conducted in 2021 or even 2022.
But not today.
And certainly NOT UT. They haven’t been to a Final Four in over 20 years, have never been to a Final, and have only one Final Four since the 1940s.
Yes…a question.
We also try to best represent the southwest, and the country and the planet. Why wouldn’t we want to best represent any grouping we are logically within?
That does NOT mean UH fans consider themselves as a school for the state moreso than a school for the city.
Quick question: Can you remember who was in the Elite Eight two years ago? No googling it.
\2023. Super recent. Final Four was in Houston.
Might depend on which fans you ask.
I would say that we are a school for Houston almost by default because of our location.
But I…and it would seem…our coaches and administration…strive to be not merely a school for Houston or the best in Houston…but rather, seek STATE-WIDE recognition.
Hence all the Texas themed promotions mentioned here.
Again…PSJ was billed as TEXAS’ tallest fraternity…NOT merely Houston’s.
Is the logo for this FAN board “Houston” themed, or “Texas” themed? All right then.
Does it matter?
Hint: no.
That’s their only such trip in over 20 years.
As I said, few college basketball FANS (an AI model isn’t a fan) are going to answer the question as to which men’s college basketball program is the best in Texas TODAY (meaning 2/12/25) with “UT.” And few would likely say “Baylor” either given that they haven’t done jack in the last few years.
Houston will be the super-majority choice based upon our far better and more consistently top level RECENT history, including our present (2025) excellence.
I don’t disagree with that first part.
I think the disconnect though is what I mentioned…namely (and it seems clear to me)…
UH students/fans think of our school representing the city moreso than a school representing the state…regardless of what outsiders think.
If nothing else, the name of the school says so.
It doesn’t mean we don’t ALSO represent the state.
I think you would find that out in a poll if you asked what I suggested.
And I still can’t help but wonder if you didn’t grow up in this area which would explain some of this disconnect.
Again, may depend on which fans you ask.
THIS former STUDENT and FAN, presently speaking, DEFINITELY thinks of us as the best in Texas in college basketball, and the best REPRESENTATIVE of our state in that sport.
Representing Houston is too easy, given our name and location.
Our administration and our fans appear to seek something bigger though.
What you hope for doesn’t necessarily equate to what people actually think.
Again, depends who you ask.
I definitely think that way.
And why do we run a TEXAS flag across the field when we score as opposed to, let’s say, a City of Houston flag?
We believe you. Ha ha!
???
Because we do ALSO reside in and represent the state of Texas.
BINGO!!!
Which means that, contrary to what 1927 questioned, the State of Texas has A LOT to do with the University of Houston.
CASE CLOSED!!!
NEXT!!!
Why it matters is that most fans can’t, either. Fan perception is largely based on vibes. Most fans would probably guess wrong if you asked them whether Phi Slama Jama won a title, or whether UT has ever won one. Our run of consecutive second-weekend appearances, or weeks ranked in the AP Poll, or whatever else isn’t relevant; nobody cares. The median fan almost certainly thinks of us as one of many “oh yeah, they’re usually in the tournament” teams.
You’re closing the case. I’m relieved honestly. Your case is closed and we can move on.
And we can all believe what we choose here.
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