The City of Houston is supporting the Cougars' journey to the National Championship, including 12-year-old Jace Abarca, who has a chronic autoimmune disease. Jace has continued to follow the team closely, attending games and events throughout their season.
Jace, who has lupus and nephrotic syndrome, was paired with the University of Houston Men's Basketball Team in 2022 through Team Impact. Since then, he has served as the team's lead ball boy. The connection has offered support to Jace during his health challenges, forming bonds with Coach Kelvin Sampson and guard Emmanuel Sharp. In an interview with KHOU 11, Jace said, “The team is the brothers and Kelvin Sampson is like the grandpa, and it just feels like they bring good vibes and it feels like a family.”
Jace, now in remission, has remained connected to the Houston Cougars as they advance to the National Championship. He was the team’s official ball boy two years ago and was welcomed back as an alumnus this season. His father, James Abarca, told Click2Houston, “It’s all come full circle for us. So two years ago he was the official ball boy; this year he was just an [alumnus,] he got welcomed back at halftime this year." Jace will attend the championship game with his parents and two younger brothers.
