Top coaches Sampson and Few seek first NCAA title

Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Gonzaga's Mark Few are two highly successful college basketball coaches. Both have not yet won an NCAA championship, making their upcoming game significant. They will meet in the second round of the NCAA Tournament this Saturday in Wichita, Kansas. Sampson, the head coach for the Cougars, and Few, leading the Bulldogs, have impressive records. Together, they have over 1,000 wins and four trips to the Final Four. Yet, neither has claimed a national title, which puts extra pressure on this matchup. Kellen Sampson, Kelvin’s son and assistant coach, emphasized the importance of winning now. Houston is a No. 1 seed, aiming for their first championship in years. Meanwhile, Few has come close before, losing in finals in 2017 and 2021. Gonzaga has been a national basketball power for decades, and it plans to join the Pac-12 in 2026. Houston is gaining similar stature in the Lone Star state. Sampson believes this could be his best team, featuring strong players and great defense. Interestingly, Kelvin Sampson may consider retiring after this season, especially if they win it all. His son Kellen is viewed as the future coach of the Cougars. They've learned to work well together, balancing respect and family ties. With both teams being top contenders, this match is eagerly anticipated. Houston is known for its strong defense, while Gonzaga boasts the top scoring offense. Regardless of the outcome, both coaches will leave everything on the court, driven by their long-held dreams of winning a championship.