Texas Southern, Johnny Jones 'Didn't Write Back' and Punch Ticket to NCAA Tournament
HOUSTON - We think of Texas Southern and are reminded of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith's legendary comeback phrase, "they wrote me off, but I didn't write back."
2023 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament Champions - Texas Southern University; Credit: Wade Event Photography
The Tigers in February and April were not playing at their best, but Johnny Jones must have known that they had a chance if he could get his squad through March and into the SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament.
The Ol' Ball Coach is 26-8 in March since arriving as the head coach of TSU.
Several experts and pundits, including myself, wrote off No. 8 Texas Southern before the opening-round match against No. 1 Alcorn State. The regular season co-champions were heavily favored, but Jones and TSU didn't get the memo sending the Braves packing with a 66-62 upset.
In the semifinal match, the Tigers defeated No. 5 Alabama 74-61 to enter the 2023 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament Championship game.
2023 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament Championship
Texas Southern led in the first half, 31-18, over the No. 2 Grambling State Tigers, fought off a ferocious 40-to-30 second-half scoring by the G-Men to win 61-58 and take home their third-straight SWAC Tournament title.
Johnny Jones and the Tigers punched their ticket to the big dance with a 14-20 overall record. It's the second-worst record for an HBCU team playing in NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament since Florida A&M went 12-18 in 1999. According to the NCAA, Florida International (1995), UCF (1996), Fairfield (1997) all had 11-18 records entering NCAA tournament action.
Nevertheless, Coach Jones and his staff prepared the young Tigers team for the playoff and tournament atmosphere. Yes, getting healthy enough at the right time helped, but the preparation, in combination with the passion, grit, and execution, has everyone talking about TSU once again.
Knocking off the No. 1, No.2, and No. 5 seeds to earn a third-consecutive trip to represent the SWAC at the NCAA Tourney is a phenomenal job for Jones, his staff, and Texas Southern players. Good luck, Fighting Tigers!