Duke's Jon Scheyer and Houston's Kelvin Sampson Feature in Final Four After Forging Their Own Legacies
Duke's Jon Scheyer and Houston's Kelvin Sampson, both impactful figures in their programs, meet again in the Final Four. Their paths diverged from traditional routes, yet they have each left a significant mark on college basketball.
SAN ANTONIO – Before Duke coach Jon Scheyer took charge of his first game after assuming the role from Mike Krzyzewski, he arranged for his team to face Houston in a secret preseason scrimmage.
Scheyer actively sought out Kelvin Sampson, the head coach of Houston, for this first encounter, viewing it as crucial preparation.
“I wanted the toughest test for our team,” said Scheyer, who is 32 years younger than Sampson. “I just believed Houston would be the toughest test. They’re the toughest test because of their coach. Their coach is as good as it gets in college basketball. I admired from afar how they defended.”
This meeting set the stage for a significant rematch in the 2025 Final Four, where they will go head-to-head once again, showcasing their respective coaching talents and the evolution of their programs.
