Kelvin Sampson watched his Houston team come within seconds of the first NCAA title for both himself and the program.

Houston, in its seventh Final Four, is a program with a rich history and a proud lineage that features Phi Slama Jama, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and Elvin Hayes. It's a history that does not include an NCAA championship.

I told our guys after the game to be disappointed you lost, but do not be disappointed in your effort," said Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson after the heartbreaking loss to Florida on Monday.