Kelvin Sampson
Kelvin Sampson is a well-known American basketball coach who currently serves as the head coach for the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team. Under Sampson’s capable leadership, the Houston Cougars have become a consistent contender in college basketball, reaching the Final Four in 2021 and making it to the Sweet Sixteen in 2019 and 2022. Throughout his coaching career, Sampson has amassed numerous accolades, including being a two-time Naismith College Coach of the Year, two-time Henry Iba Award winner, and a five-time conference coach of the year.
After growing up in a Native American community in Robeson County, North Carolina, Sampson attended Pembroke State University, where he played basketball and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts. Sampson commenced his coaching career in 1979 as an assistant coach at Michigan State University. He then went on to become the head coach at Montana Tech, Washington State, Oklahoma, and Indiana before joining Houston in 2014.
Off the court, Sampson has been actively involved in community service and was awarded the John McLendon National Minority Coach of the Year Award for his efforts. He is also known for his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes defense, toughness, and discipline. A larger-than-life personality, Sampson will continue making a huge impact on basketball over the coming years.
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