Reaction from Houston area basketball people to Kelvin Sampson's signing contract extension with the University of Houston

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The Saxenian Family

UPDATED: April 5, 2019 -- 5:42 p.m. CDT

POSTED: April 4, 2019 -- 5:23 p.m. CDT

Thursday morning, the University of Houston announced Kelvin Sampson signed a contract extension through the 2024-25 season Thursday and will remain with the Cougars. The extension is pending University of Houston System Board of Regents approval.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available. However, days ago, school reports stated that Sampson was offered a six-year, $18 million offer through the 2024-25 season. Kellen Sampson, Kelvin's son, also was named head coach-in-waiting as part of a succession plan when Kelvin Sampson retires.

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Jim Hicks, of RCSSports.com, the 'number 1 Source of Greater Houston Boys Basketball' said, "Since the turn of the millenium, I've had the privilege of a strong communication bridge with each of the UH coaching staffs: from Drexler to McCallum to Penders to Dickey to Sampson.

"My rare view included not only the pulse of the staff; but, the collective thoughts of the high schools, AAU coaches, and more importantly, the local prospects. Before and after the 2018-'19 season, most recruits have just as much love and admiration for the U of H program as they do the coach."

Hicks continued, "Coach Sampson's decision to remain head coach for the next 6 years is akin to saying "Houston (clears his throat), the city of Houston, will you marry me? And, he didn't even have to give us a ring! 'We do' is our reply!"

More coaches / grassroots organizers shared their thoughts on today's news.

Marland Lowe, Director, Texas PRO, said: "This signing shows Houston's commitment to the resurgence that Coach Sampson has brought to the University of Houston Basketball Program.

"What Coach Sampson has done is show kids locally and statewide that the University of Houston is a designated location for success and winning."

Lowe concluded, "All of the staff that Coach Sampson has chosen since he came, played a huge part of this. Coach Sampson knows players and how to pick the right staff to fulfill his vision."

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Marc Minatrea, Varsity Asst, at A&M Consolidated, said: "Coach Sampson's staying at UH means UH basketball fans get to watch competitive, tough, and talented teams for the next 6 years. We get to watch well coached players play as a team and defend, rebound, and hustle every game. After UH committed close to $100 million to the Guy V Lewis practice facility and Fertitta Center, UH showed it's commitment to basketball. Coach Sampson's staying means UH will be a top 20 basketball program year after year moving forward. Coach Sampson's staying makes UH a top choice for the top high school players in the Greater Houston area moving forward. It is great for college basketball to be relevant to the city of Houston again."

According to Marcus Sloan of OTR Exposure: "I think it's a great thing for the city and their program. It gives the program stability, and naming Kellen Sampson as the head coach in waiting, is an even bigger move because they can now continue their "culture of winning".

Sloan added, "Kids in the city who are in the 8th and 9th grade can stay home and play in an electric environment in a great arena in a good basketball league."

According to Herb Baker of Texas Elite Basketball: "The word culture is used a great deal in today's society. It's evident by this season that changing the culture leads to success. Coach Sampson has done a great job of not only involving the student body, staff and alumni in this resurgence of this historic program; but, the entire city as well.

"I believe the fact that he's focusing on keeping the top players home also has a lot to do with this extension. True, he won't be able to sign them all; but, I believe Coach (Alvin) Brooks and the rest of those guys will have every legitimate recruit considering staying home."