Kelvin Sampson is a college basketball coach, leading the Houston Cougars in the Big 12 Conference, as of February 2025. Sampson's high school basketball career took place at Pembroke High School in North Carolina.
Kelvin Sampson played college basketball at Pembroke State University from 1974 to 1978, where he made an impact as a guard. Sampson began his coaching career in 1979. As of February 2025, he holds an overall head coaching record of 764 wins and 349 losses, translating to a winning percentage of approximately .686. His coaching journey began at Montana Tech, where he achieved a record of 73-45, followed by a stint at Washington State with a balanced record of 103-103. At the University of Oklahoma, Sampson found success, compiling a remarkable 281-107 record and leading the Sooners to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four in 2002. His time at Indiana resulted in a strong 43-15 record before he took over the Houston Cougars in 2014. Under his leadership, Houston has thrived, posting a record of 264-79 (.770) and making several NCAA Tournament runs, including reaching the Final Four in 2021.
Kelvin Sampson’s parents
John W. ‘Ned’ Sampson and Eva Sampson are the parents of Kelvin Sampson.
Who is the father of Kelvin Sampson?
According to AP News, Kelvin Sampson’s father, Ned, was a coach at Pembroke High School in North Carolina and played an important role in the Lumbee Native American community, particularly noted for his actions during the 1958 conflict with the Ku Klux Klan, known as the Battle of Hayes Pond.
What is the nationality of Kelvin Sampson’s parents?
Both John W. ‘Ned’ Sampson and Eva Sampson are American nationals.
FAQ on Kelvin Sampson Parents
A. In 10 seasons at Houston, Sampson has led the Cougars to six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances – including the 2021 NCAA Final Four – six American Athletic Conference titles and one Big 12 Conference regular-season crown while standing as the only coach in school history to lead Houston to nine straight 20-win.
A. Sampson, the first known high-profile college coach to meet with Milwaukee about the vacancy, spent six seasons in the NBA as an assistant coach -- including three with the Bucks -- before returning to college basketball in 2014 and constructing a national championship contender at Houston.
A. Two-time National Coach of the Year Kelvin Sampson was named the 26th head coach in Indiana University history on March 29, 2006.
