Two teams with very different paths will collide at March Madness’ Sweet Sixteen on Friday night in Kansas City, Missouri.
Houston has built its teams from talented players, whose strengths are developed over time — some of whom have spent time at junior colleges honing their craft. The University of Kentucky picks elite recruits, and even a few one-and-dones, who know the school is a one-year stop on the way to the NBA.
Despite those differences, both teams have formed into cohesive units and are among the best in college basketball.
Houston’s system means when one player departs, there is another who can step up in a starter role and redefine the position.