The Final Four is set, and the hype is relatively high as Houston prepares to clash with Duke. Days before the showdown, Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson publicly praised Duke’s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg.
Kelvin Sampson Makes Bold Claim by Comparing Cooper Flagg With Legend
In a recent chat on The Field Of 68: After Dark YouTube channel, Sampson didn’t hold back when asked about Flagg. He praised the young star, saying, “Cooper has a little Larry Bird in him.” That’s no small compliment. Larry Bird is a basketball icon known for being the jack of all trades on the court.
Sampson added, “He is good at everything, makes people better, and has a nasty streak to him.” The Houston coach sees Flagg as one of the greatest threats this season. However, as the Cougars ride from Houston to San Antonio for the Final Four, Sampson’s confidence in his squad suggests he’s all set to counter Duke’s rising star.
Houston may lack Duke’s star power, but they have potential, and L.J. Cryer embodies that. The senior guard has been a rock for the Cougars, delivering clutch performances all season. His scoring prowess and cool-headed play have kept Houston competitive against top teams.
Fans of rival Oklahoma still wince at how Cryer’s teammate Milos Uzan has thrived since transferring, but Cryer’s consistency is the backbone of this squad. Sampson leans on him to steer the offense, especially in high-stakes moments like the upcoming Duke match. Cryer may not be a headliner like Flagg, but his impact is undeniable.
Speaking of Uzan, the former Sooner has found a home in Houston. After losing star Jamal Shead last spring, the Cougars needed a backbone for the backcourt. Uzan, with his 6-foot-4 frame and slick ball handling, filled that gap perfectly. Sampson saw his potential during Big 12 matchups and pounced when the chance arose.
Now, Uzan drives Houston’s attack. His seamless integration into the team speaks to the program’s knack for turning transfers into loyal contributors. Against Duke, his size and skill could be key in containing Flagg and company.
Sampson insists Houston’s strength isn’t in individuals but in their team’s unity. He recently said, “There’s a brotherhood here that’s unique,” explaining why players rarely leave despite the transfer portal’s chaos. Only three rotation players have departed since the portal opened, a stark contrast to other schools losing rosters overnight.
KEEP READING: Houston Basketball Coaching Staff: Who Leads the Cougars Alongside Kelvin Sampson?
This loyalty stems from a staff built on trust, including former players like Hollis Price and Quannas White, who’ve stuck around since Sampson’s early days. Even his kids, Kellen and Lauren, play key roles.
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