Kelvin Sampson’s Oklahoma homecoming adds excitement to Houston’s March Madness run
Houston Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson returns to Oklahoma for March Madness, mixing household roots and training legacy with championship aspirations.
OKLAHOMA CITY — For Kelvin Sampson, this NCAA Tournament cease is greater than a line on the bracket.
The Houston head coach introduced his Cougars to Oklahoma City for the opening rounds of March Madness, revisiting the state the place he has constructed a lot of his life and training legacy — and the place his household’s roots nonetheless run deep. Sampson was the pinnacle coach of the University of Oklahoma, positioned roughly half-hour from Oklahoma City, for 12 seasons.
“I mean, I’m a Cougar, man, but I’ll always have a little Sooner blood in me,” Sampson mentioned right here on Wednesday.
That connection stays unmistakable, even years after leaving Norman. Sampson mentioned he is usually reminded of it, particularly in Big 12 arenas.
“We’ll go somewhere and next thing you know from 100 feet away someone will scream ‘Boomer’ at us,” he mentioned. “And I always scream ‘Sooner’ back at them.”
This week, these ties really feel much more private.
Sampson’s son, Kellen, is on his employees, and each he and his sister, Lauren, graduated from the University of Oklahoma. Lauren Sampson is Houston’s Chief of Staff. The household’s connection to the state extends past basketball, formed by years of relationships, recollections and neighborhood.
“Oklahoma’s always been… like home to us,” Sampson mentioned just lately.
For Kellen Sampson, returning to the state the place he grew up brings a way of appreciation — and perspective.
“It was such an awesome time when we were in school here,” he mentioned. “OU is one of those places… it’s that magnificent of a place.”
The Cougars arrived in Oklahoma City with championship aspirations, however the setting has added an emotional layer to the journey. Sampson acknowledged he had been hoping for this vacation spot as Selection Sunday approached.
“I knew Oklahoma City was in play,” he mentioned. “After we beat BYU and after we beat Kansas, I thought that probably put us in Oklahoma City. That put a smile on my face.”
The journey has additionally became one thing of a reunion. Sampson mentioned he expects to see former colleagues, buddies and members of the Oklahoma basketball neighborhood all through the week.
“I have a lot of dear friends in Oklahoma,” he mentioned.
For all of the familiarity, although, the main target stays on the duty at hand.
Houston is chasing a nationwide title — and in March, sentiment solely goes up to now.
Still, for the Sampson household, the setting issues.
A return to Oklahoma. And an opportunity to hold dancing — in a spot that already means every part.
