The loaded region also includes a couple of other squads that made Elite Eight appearances a year ago, including a national finalist, and a perennial power from the west coast hoping to extend an impressive streak.

There are five Texas schools in this year’s NCAA Tournament, but 20 squads in the 68-team field have at least one player from the Houston area on their roster. In total, there are 26 former Houston high school stars in this year’s tournament,