Sampson and Popovich are good friends. Sampson credits Pop with saving his career.
INDIANAPOLIS — Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson has a strong bond with Gregg Popovich, one of the winningest head coaches in the NBA. After the Coogs earned a trip to the Final Four with a win over Tennessee Sunday, Sampson heard from his good friend.
Sampson credits Popovich with saving his career as Sampson worked for the Spurs after he resigned from Indiana due to recruiting violations. Sampson shared a text message with us that Popovich wrote him following the win.
Sampson shared that heartfelt message after Sunday’s win — a text that he received from Popovich.
“I’m the happiest person in San Antonio today,” Sampson read from the text. “But not as happy as you, Karen, and the family, and your whole program built with good character and love. Bravo, my good friend.”
Popovich’s message ended with, “Enjoy the win tonight with a good red.”
Sampson said he speaks regularly with Popovich. Popovich is recovering from a stroke he suffered back in November, but no doubt he will be watching Houston and Sampson when the Coogs take on Duke in the national semifinals in San Antonio.
It’s a game you can watch live on KHOU 11 at 7:49 p.m. Saturday.