PaperCity's Chris Baldwin Wins National Writing Award for University of Houston Basketball Coverage

Baldwin's story on UH's dramatic double-overtime win at Kansas earns top honors from U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:34pm

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PaperCity's Chris Baldwin has won a national writing award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) for his coverage of the University of Houston basketball team. Baldwin's winning story detailed UH's remarkable 92-86 double-overtime victory over Kansas, the first time Kelvin Sampson had ever won at the Jayhawks' storied Allen Fieldhouse in his 37-season coaching career.

Why it matters

The USBWA is one of the most prestigious organizations for college basketball journalism, and this award recognizes Baldwin's exceptional storytelling and ability to capture the broader significance of UH's dramatic win over a college basketball blue blood like Kansas.

The details

Baldwin's winning story examined the events leading up to the UH-Kansas matchup and the ripple effects that followed, weaving together context, reaction, and analysis to fully convey the importance of the night for both programs. The USBWA praised Baldwin's piece as 'an expansive story following Houston's dramatic double-overtime victory' that went beyond just the final moments.

  • UH's 92-86 double-overtime win at Kansas took place on the first Saturday of the year without football games.
  • The USBWA announced the award winners in advance of the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis.

The players

Chris Baldwin

PaperCity's Network Editorial Director who won the USBWA's first place award in the Game/Spot News category for his coverage of the University of Houston basketball team.

Kelvin Sampson

The University of Houston's head basketball coach, who earned his first career win at Kansas' Allen Fieldhouse in his 37-season coaching career.

Mylik Wilson

The University of Houston graduate senior guard who hit a game-tying 3-pointer with two seconds left in overtime to send the game to a second overtime.

Milos Uzan

The University of Houston's 'new' point guard who many doubted but who had a standout performance in the win over Kansas.

Hollis Price

A University of Houston assistant coach who excelled as a lead guard for Kelvin Sampson at Oklahoma but never could beat Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse.

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What they’re saying

“'You're a killer!'”

— Milos Uzan, University of Houston player

“'Damn, seventeen, nine and nine. Nine rebounds?! Oh, you trying to get a triple double. You messed around and almost got a triple double!'”

— Hollis Price, University of Houston assistant coach

What’s next

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association will hold its annual awards luncheon at the Indiana Pacers' Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena before Monday night's national championship game at the nearby Lucas Oil Stadium.

The takeaway

This award recognizes Chris Baldwin and PaperCity's exceptional coverage of the University of Houston basketball program, which has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in college sports under head coach Kelvin Sampson. Baldwin's ability to capture the broader significance and emotion of UH's dramatic win at the 'cathedral of college basketball' underscores why the Cougars' rise is a must-follow for any college basketball fan.