The Houston Cougars’ defense has been brilliant this season. Under Kelvin Sampson, the team has made it to the Final Four. Their 17-game winning streak is the longest in Division I, and their defense is simply brutal. They are holding teams to 56.5 points per game in the tournament. Next, they go up against Duke in San Antonio.
Now, that kind of toughness doesn’t just happen. It starts from the sidelines, where Kelvin Sampson and his coaching squad push this team to be the best. So, who are the people behind this defensive madness?
Houston Basketball Coaching Staff Includes Big Names like Kelvin Sampson, Quannas White, K.C. Beard, and More
Kelvin Sampson – Head Coach
Kelvin Sampson joined the Houston Cougars in 2014, and since then, he has completely transformed the team. It was under him that Houston went to its first NCAA tournament win since 1984.
They also created a school-record 33-win season in 2019. Then, they went on to have a Final Four run in 2021 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2022. Sampson has also been key to improving the team’s facilities, helping raise funds for a $25 million practice facility and a $60 million renovation to the Fertitta Center.
Before joining Houston, Kelvin Sampson coached at:
- Michigan State (GA)
- Montana Tech (Assistant & HC)
- Washington State (Assistant & HC)
- Oklahoma (HC)
- Indiana (HC)
- Milwaukee Bucks (Assistant)
- Houston Rockets (Assistant)
- Houston (HC)
Kellen Sampson – Assistant Coach
It looks like basketball runs in the Sampson family. Kellen Sampson, Kelvin’s son, has also been part of Houston’s coaching staff since 2014. He has worked his way up to being an assistant coach. Before that, he played under his father at Oklahoma.
Before joining Houston, Kellen Sampson coached at:
- Indiana (GA)
- Oklahoma (GA & Assistant S&C)
- Stephen F. Austin (Assistant)
- Appalachian State (Assistant)
- Houston (Assistant)
K.C. Beard – Assistant Coach
K.C. Beard joined Houston at the same time as Kellen in 2014. Beard started as a video coordinator before stepping into an assistant coaching role in 2021. His eye for breaking down film and strategizing has been a huge asset in the Cougars’ rise.
Before Houston, Beard worked in the NBA as a video intern for the Portland Trail Blazers and had coaching stints at various levels.
Hollis Price – Special Assistant to the Head Coach / Assistant Coach
Hollis Price is a name that brings both playing and coaching experience to Houston. He played for Oklahoma in 2002, leading them to the Final Four. After a professional career in Europe, he transitioned into coaching
Before joining Houston, Hollis Price coached at:
- Texas Legends (Assistant)
- Houston (Assistant)
KEEP READING: Kelvin Sampson NCAA Violations: A Look Back at the Scandal That Changed His Career
Anthony Goldwire – Director of Player Development / Assistant Coach
Anthony Goldwire is a former NBA player who knows what it takes to make it at the highest level. He played for multiple NBA teams before moving into coaching. Goldwire has also worked as an assistant for the Milwaukee Bucks and Erie BayHawks.
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