hoop dreams

McDonalds All-American Games bring high-flying hoops fun to Toyota Center for the first time ever

Long before he was The Beards, James Harden dominated the McDonald's All-American Games.

Photo courtesy of ABC13

Much like catching a cool band in a tiny club before they go all national and famous, the McDonald’s All-American Gamesis a chance to see high school basketball stars from around the country showcase their skills before they eventually become household names. (A quick Google of “LeBron James McDonald’s 2003” will reveal the king in all his young, high-flying glory.)

Now, local hoops fans who love the game in its purest form can catch the next generation of rising stars when the All American Games hit Houston for the first time ever. The youngsters will bring their talents to H-Town on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Toyota Center.

Since the Games’ inception, Texas has been home to 62 McDonald’s All American Boys and 60 McDonald’s All American Girls players, including Rashard Lewis (1998), Gerald Green (2005), Justise Winslow (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Brittney Griner (2009), Myles Turner (2014), and Ariel Atkins (2014). Houston, alone, has been home to 21 McDonald’s All Americans.

The games’ players have represented some of the greatest NBA, WNBA and college stars, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Maya Moore, and Candace Parker. This is the 43rd year of the annual Boys Game and the 19th year of the Girls Game.

Houstonians will recognize another superstar who made a name for himself at the games: James Harden. “The 2007 McDonald’s All American Games were one of the coolest experiences of my life,” said Harden, in a statement. “Top high school players from around the country, that have been putting the work in, have the opportunity to showcase it in front of the world.”

Tickets to the McDonald’s All American Games will be on sale beginning January 23, 2020, at ToyotaCenter.com with fans around the country being able to tune in live on Wednesday, April 1 on ESPN for the Boys Game and ESPN2 for the Girls Game.

sports

Cougar Red and Houston Blue

UH expands 'Houston Blue' uniforms, despite NFL cease-and-desist

UH continues using Houston Blue uniforms despite NFL rebuke

Photo courtesy of Houston Athletics

Luv ya Blue running wild.

University of Houston Athletics are in a “Luv ya blue” mood and they don’t care who knows it — not even the NFL.

The university has announced that its football and volleyball teams will wear new Houston Blue jerseys, reminiscent of the classic colors of the Houston Oilers era. The volleyball team's uniform will debut theirs starting November 9 against Texas Tech, while the football team will debut theirs against Baylor on November 23. At the latter event, the first 20,000 fans will receive commemorative Houston Blue rally towels.

The resemblance of the new colors to the Oilers brand was not lost on the NFL. When UH Athletics started incorporating Houston Blue into their uniforms in September 2023, the NFL sent a cease-and-desist letter claiming the uniforms were an attempt to leech off the legacy of the Oilers and the intellectual property of the team now known as the Tennessee Titans. As if to prove the point, the Titans have occasionally worn Columbia blue throwback uniforms at certain games.

UH is unbothered according to vice president for intercollegiate athletics Eddie Nuñez.

“As a university deeply connected to the fabric of Houston, incorporating ‘Houston Blue’ into our uniforms is a powerful way to celebrate the city’s rich history,” he said. “From iconic blue street markers to the Houston Police Department’s signature blue police cars and helicopters, this color holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians. We’re thrilled to share this tradition with our fans and offer them the chance to show their pride through exclusive merchandise, making it an exciting time for Cougar Nation to rally together.”

The accompanying press release for the uniforms came with a helpful history lesson showing that the Oilers adopted a color widely associated with Houston, not the other way around. The city has incorporated blue into public infrastructure, from street curbs to city vehicles, since the 1920s. The Oilers weren’t even the first Houston team to use blue in their uniforms. That honor belongs to the minor league baseball team, the Houston Buffs. In addition, the university made minor changes to the uniform in response to the NFL's concerns.

UH will be offering a wide range of merchandise to sell in the new Houston Blue colors in person and online through the University of Houston Bookstore as well as at select local retailers. These include shirts, hats, polos, jerseys, and hoodies. Get them before the NFL sends a more strongly-worded letter.

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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.

university of houston houston blue