Houston’s Kelvin Sampson and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes will face off in the Elite Eight, continuing a relationship that spans more than 40 years.
INDIANAPOLIS — In a matchup steeped in friendship and mutual respect, Houston’s Kelvin Sampson and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes will face off in the Elite Eight, continuing a relationship that spans more than 40 years.
“His style is solid,” Sampson said of Barnes. “There’s not one aspect of the game that Rick’s team is not always prepared for.”
Both coaches, originally from North Carolina, share a coaching philosophy centered on defense and player-led programs.
“Best led teams are when they’re led and coached by the players,” said Barnes on Saturday.
Sampson has mentioned the exact thing in the past to Houston reporters.
Their long-standing friendship transcends competition.
“We’ve known each other a lifetime,” Barnes said.
Despite being knee-deep in the Red River Rivalry, when Sampson coached Oklahoma and Barnes coached Texas, their bond remains unbroken.
This time, the stakes are high, with a Final Four berth on the line. This will be their 21st meeting, with Sampson holding a 12-8 advantage.
“If we don’t win it, I hope he does,” Sampson said, with Barnes adding, “I would love to see Kelvin Sampson win a national championship, (just) not this year.”