The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Mario Terrana
Blazers in the Big Dance: What They're Saying About UAB
3/17/2022 2:20:00 PM | Men's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – As the UAB men's basketball team prepares for its first-round matchup against fifth-seeded Houston, the Blazers have garnered national attention entering Friday night's showdown at PPG Paints Arena.
UAB's game against Houston is the only first-round matchup in this year's NCAA Tournament with two team with 27+ wins. The Blazers (27) and the Cougars (29) combined for 56 victories before entering March Madness, making the classic 5-12 matchup the first-round game with the most combined wins in this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
A selection of quotes from what different outlets and Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson have said about the Blazers is listed below.
"Andy Kennedy has some high-level talent in Birmingham and Jordan Walker is also one of the best shooters in the country."
- Terrence Oglesby, The Field of 68
"A dream season is unfolding for Andy Kennedy and the Blazers. And Jordan Walker? An elite transfer."
"Most underrated transfer in college basketball? UAB's Jordan Walker."
"Dangerous team in the Round of 64."
- Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports
"With a coach in Andy Kennedy who's been in tourney situations plenty and a team driven by upperclassmen that shoots it well and should battle. I don't know that it's likely, but it's the only No. 5 vs. 12 upset I like this year."
- Sports Illustrated
"UAB's Jordan "Jelly" Walker has become a bit of a folk hero in recent weeks thanks to his lovable nickname and his unlimited range. There's more to Walker than just his delicious nickname and smooth shooting stroke, though. He's become a star under head coach Andy Kennedy at UAB. Don't be surprised if "Jelly" becomes your new favorite player this week."
- Jack Dougherty, Sportscasting.com
"I'm going to go with UAB [as which double-digit seed will go to the Elite 8]. UAB has a chance because of its scoring, because of the fact that they have Jordan "Jelly" Walker. They also have nine transfers, five of them from the Power Six. They have Andy Kennedy, a great coach. If I have to pick a Cinderella, I'm going to pick the Blazers."
- Chris Walker, CBS Sports Network
"Every team needs a Quan Jackson."
"I wish we weren't playing UAB because I'd like to watch them. They are fun to watch."
- Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach
UP NEXT
The winner of Friday night's game at PPG Paints Arena will face the winner of fourth-seeded Illinois and 13th-seeded Chattanooga on Sunday. Sunday's tipoff time would be decided following Friday's results.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball season-ticket packages for the 2022-23 season are on sale now and start for as low as $110 in Blaze's Corner. The public season-ticket price is set at $275, while season tickets for UAB employees and alumni are available for $245 per seat. Scholarship seating is also available, and fans can also request more information by clicking here.
UAB's game against Houston is the only first-round matchup in this year's NCAA Tournament with two team with 27+ wins. The Blazers (27) and the Cougars (29) combined for 56 victories before entering March Madness, making the classic 5-12 matchup the first-round game with the most combined wins in this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
A selection of quotes from what different outlets and Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson have said about the Blazers is listed below.
"Andy Kennedy has some high-level talent in Birmingham and Jordan Walker is also one of the best shooters in the country."
- Terrence Oglesby, The Field of 68
"A dream season is unfolding for Andy Kennedy and the Blazers. And Jordan Walker? An elite transfer."
"Most underrated transfer in college basketball? UAB's Jordan Walker."
"Dangerous team in the Round of 64."
- Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports
"With a coach in Andy Kennedy who's been in tourney situations plenty and a team driven by upperclassmen that shoots it well and should battle. I don't know that it's likely, but it's the only No. 5 vs. 12 upset I like this year."
- Sports Illustrated
"UAB's Jordan "Jelly" Walker has become a bit of a folk hero in recent weeks thanks to his lovable nickname and his unlimited range. There's more to Walker than just his delicious nickname and smooth shooting stroke, though. He's become a star under head coach Andy Kennedy at UAB. Don't be surprised if "Jelly" becomes your new favorite player this week."
- Jack Dougherty, Sportscasting.com
"I'm going to go with UAB [as which double-digit seed will go to the Elite 8]. UAB has a chance because of its scoring, because of the fact that they have Jordan "Jelly" Walker. They also have nine transfers, five of them from the Power Six. They have Andy Kennedy, a great coach. If I have to pick a Cinderella, I'm going to pick the Blazers."
- Chris Walker, CBS Sports Network
"Every team needs a Quan Jackson."
"I wish we weren't playing UAB because I'd like to watch them. They are fun to watch."
- Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach
UP NEXT
The winner of Friday night's game at PPG Paints Arena will face the winner of fourth-seeded Illinois and 13th-seeded Chattanooga on Sunday. Sunday's tipoff time would be decided following Friday's results.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
UAB men's basketball season-ticket packages for the 2022-23 season are on sale now and start for as low as $110 in Blaze's Corner. The public season-ticket price is set at $275, while season tickets for UAB employees and alumni are available for $245 per seat. Scholarship seating is also available, and fans can also request more information by clicking here.
Players Mentioned
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