Reuben Stafford is an avid fisherman and a full-time, die-hard University of Houston basketball fan.

"I guided from '99 to 2006, full time," Stafford said. "Since 2018, I've been to every single March Madness game."

Now, he's combining both passions. During the team's downtime, Stafford started taking players fishing, giving them a break from the grind.

"I think it means a lot to those guys to have that type of fun," he said.

It all started through a connection at a youth basketball camp, where his daughter was coached by guard Kordell Jefferson, who also happens to love fishing.

"After last year, I saw him in San Antonio. I told him, 'If you ever need to get away, hit me up, we'll go fishing.'"

Jefferson took him up on that offer, and Stafford had one goal for the team he's followed for decades.

"My main thing is I just wanted to make sure they caught fish," Stafford said.

After Jefferson's trip, more teammates joined in, and just like on the court, the Cougars delivered, but this time, Stafford was the coach.

"Milos caught a trophy trout. I've only caught two bigger in my life," he said. "Jacobs' first cast was a bull red."

For Stafford, it's more than just fishing with his favorite team.

"It's a privilege to give them that release, something different," he said.

And while the Cougars are used to reeling in wins on the hardwood, it turns out they're just as good at reeling in the big ones off it, too.

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