Kelvin Sampson, a seasoned head coach and a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, has a storied career spanning 36 seasons with programs like Houston, Indiana, Oklahoma, Washington State, and Montana Tech. Yet, when it comes to college basketball royalty, Sampson believes one program reigns supreme.
“I think the best basketball program in America is Kansas,” Sampson declared at the Big 12 hoops media day last October. He’s no stranger to the competitive landscape, having led his No. 2-ranked Houston Cougars (23-4, 11-3) into the heart of Big 12 action against No. 8 Kansas (20-7, 10-4) at the legendary Allen Fieldhouse.
Sampson’s admiration for Kansas is rooted in the program’s rich history and consistent excellence. “Every conference has a bell cow. The bell cow in this conference is Kansas,” he said, acknowledging KU’s status as the second-winningest program in college basketball history.
Reflecting on his years at Oklahoma and now Houston, Sampson has faced Kansas numerous times, holding a 9-12 record against them, including a 3-1 mark with the Cougars. Despite KU's recent challenges, finishing lower in the Big 12 standings in the past two seasons, Sampson believes their legacy remains untarnished.
Under the leadership of Bill Self, Kansas dominated the Big 12 with 14 consecutive league titles from 2004-05 through 2017-18. Sampson praised Self, saying, “He’s one of the best coaches ever, in any era.”
Sampson’s tenure at Houston has been nothing short of remarkable, with seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances, five consecutive Sweet 16s, and two Final Fours. Despite recent setbacks against top-tier opponents like Arizona and Iowa State, Sampson remains focused on the grueling Big 12 schedule.
“When you sign up for the Big 12 you are going to have adversity,” Sampson noted. His Cougars have already secured five road victories this season, a testament to their resilience.
The upcoming clash at Allen Fieldhouse is set against a backdrop of recent losses for both Kansas and Houston. KU is looking to rebound after a tough 84-68 loss to Cincinnati, while Houston aims to recover from defeats against Arizona and Iowa State.
Kansas guard Jamari McDowell is keenly aware of the challenge ahead. “We’ve got to bounce back in 48 hours.
No pity party. No excuses,” he emphasized, gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
With a perfect 40-0 Big Monday record at home during Self’s 23-year tenure, Kansas will look to maintain their dominance in the Fieldhouse. As both teams prepare for battle, fans can expect a thrilling contest where only one will emerge victorious.