Mar 30, 2025 · A question posed to Sampson during Saturday’s media session about their relationship evolved into a five-minute monologue expressing his admiration for Barnes, their intertwined friendship that began before their coaching careers, and affirmation that they both chose the right profession.

Mar 29, 2025 · INDIANAPOLIS — Kelvin Sampson has come to expect the late-night phone calls from Rick Barnes. The Houston coach can’t begin to predict Barnes’ reason for calling after decades of picking up...

Mar 30, 2025 · Rick Barnes And Kelvin Sampson Are True Friends, Hanging On Together. Having coached against each other while at Oklahoma and Texas, their relationship hasn't wavered since the early days of their career, dating back to before actually getting into the Big 12.

Mar 29, 2025 · Tennessee coach Rick Barnes and Houston coach Kelvin Sampson are longtime friends with similar coaching styles. Both coaches are known for their demanding coaching styles that emphasize...

Mar 31, 2025 · Houston’s Kelvin Sampson and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes share a decades-long bond built on rivalry and respect as they clash in the Elite Eight for a Final Four spot.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson estimated he's been friends with Tennessee coach Rick Barnes for "40-something years" ahead of the Cougars' clash with the Volunteers in the Elite Eight on...

Mar 29, 2025 · Here’s everything Barnes said. More From RTI: Everything Houston HC Kelvin Sampson Said Ahead Of Elite Eight Matchup With Tennessee. Opening statement “Again, we’re blessed to have this opportunity to continue to play in the tournament and just an incredible amount of respect for Kelvin Sampson and his team. I’ve known Kelvin a lifetime.

Mar 30, 2025 · Longtime friends Kelvin Sampson and Rick Barnes face off in the Elite Eight with a Final Four spot at stake. Both coaches hail from North Carolina.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Rick Barnes and Kelvin Sampson are such old friends that they played against each other in college in North Carolina nearly 50 years ago, back when Barnes had...

On Saturday, Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson met with reporters and he spoke at length about his relationship with Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes. Sampson and Barnes coached against...