In a heart-wrenching end to a promising college basketball season, Coach Kelvin Sampson found himself powerless as his Houston team suffered a 65-63 defeat to Florida on Monday night. Standing on the sidelines, hands on his hips, Sampson watched Houston’s latest shot at a national title slip away in the final seconds.
After decades in coaching, the 69-year-old Sampson has transformed Houston into a formidable presence in college basketball, known for its defensive strength and gritty play. His career, marked by ups and downs, has seen the coach rise to become a respected figure in the sport. Yet, none of that experience could alter the unfortunate end to their season – a heartbreaking turnover in the game’s final moments.
Reflecting on the loss, Sampson expressed more concern about protecting the morale of his players than dwelling on the missed opportunity. “I care more about ensuring these kids understand the tremendous year they’ve had,” he stated as he stood near Houston’s locker room in the Alamodome.
Houston, which concluded the season ranked second in the AP Top 25, faced difficulty in its final plays. With just a one-point deficit and seconds on the clock, Emanuel Sharp tried making a play but lost possession, and any hope of recovery was dashed by Florida’s quick defensive reaction.
As Florida celebrated its victory, Sampson solemnly made his way through the throng of devoted and disappointed Houston supporters. J’Wan Roberts, a player who spent five years under Sampson’s tutelage, voiced profound admiration and the desire for a happier ending for his mentor.
Sampson’s career started humbly as a graduate assistant at Michigan State, eventually leading him to successful tenures at programs like Oklahoma and Indiana. A resurgence followed, allowing him to embrace new college athletics dynamics, like the transfer portal and NIL deals.
Houston Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez praised Sampson’s ability to adapt amid these changes, noting his willingness to evolve and work with insights from colleagues and family members. Despite being labeled as “old school,” Sampson has shown a unique understanding of modern collegiate sports.
Throughout the tournament, Sampson echoed a philosophy matching his early coaching roots – emphasizing the joy of teaching and guiding athletes. His love for the game has been a constant, even when sidelined by an NCAA penalty years prior, which delayed his return to coaching until he joined Houston in 2014.
Under Sampson, Houston reconnected to its celebrated basketball past, reaching notable achievements within the NCAA. By reviving the glory of their ‘80s Phi Slama Jama days, he crafted a team capable of competing at the highest levels.
Despite Monday’s loss overshadowing an impressive season, Sampson could take solace in his team’s relentless spirit and achievements, including a formidable win over Duke in the semifinals. The final game, though, revealed their struggles, particularly in shooting, which hindered their ability to secure victory.
Emotionally, Sampson acknowledged the disappointment but took pride in how Houston competed until the final whistle. Spending extra time with journalists post-game, he reflected on reaching the national championship, describing his team’s efforts as a valiant battle to the very end.