After taking down Tennessee in the Elite 8, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson received loads of praise for his role in his squad’s incredible 2024-25 season.
One individual who reached out to Sampson after the win was the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich, who sent him a sentimental text.
“I’m the happiest person in San Antonio today, but not as happy as you, Karen, and the family, and the whole program build with grit, character, and love,” Popovich said. “Bravo, my good friend, from way back on our walks.”
Popovich and Sampson built a strong relationship at the NBA level when Sampson spent time serving as a consultant for the Spurs in 2008. In a later interview, Karen Sampson [Sampson’s wife] mentioned that the Popovich played such a strong role in their lives that the Sampson family went on to name their family dog “Poppy.”
Popovich finished his text by saying, “Enjoy the win tonight with a good red.”
