In a surprising prelude to his inaugural season as head coach, Jon Scheyer of Duke University made a strategic choice to fly his team to Houston for a secret preseason scrimmage. This decision was fueled by Scheyer's desire to challenge his squad with the toughest competition available. "I wanted the toughest test for our team," remarked Scheyer, who is 32 years younger than Kelvin Sampson, the head coach of the Houston Cougars. "I just believed Houston would be the toughest test. They're the toughest test because of their coach." Scheyer's admiration for Sampson's defensive strategies and coaching prowess drove him to seek this unique opportunity.
On October 29, 2022, while the Houston football team was competing against USF at TDECU Stadium, Scheyer and Sampson engaged in a 45-minute conversation before the scrimmage. Although Duke's performance in the scrimmage was not victorious, the experience was invaluable. "I'll tell you how good a job he's done," Sampson said of Scheyer. "Nobody ever talks about Coach K anymore." Despite the secretive nature of these scrimmages, their significance has not faded over time. "I think we got punched in the face many times that day. We punched back, though," Scheyer reflected on the experience.
Duke guard Tyrese Proctor vividly recalled the intensity of the scrimmage: "It was physical as hell. I got knocked on my ass a couple of times. It was just a different type of game." Houston assistant coach Kellen Sampson noted that while Proctor was rattled, his talent was undeniable. The memorable scrimmage has served as an inspiration for Kellen, who is poised to take over as head coach of the Cougars when his father, Kelvin, retires. "There was an easy way that he communicates. It felt like and looked like he was a head coach," Kellen said of Scheyer.
Jon Scheyer has made significant changes to the Duke basketball program, departing from the traditional methods established by Coach K. He has revitalized their social media presence and implemented a new offensive strategy, demonstrating his commitment to shaping Duke in his own vision. The rematch between Duke and Houston in the upcoming Final Four marks a significant moment for both programs, with Duke seeking to build on their previous 54-51 victory over the Cougars in the Sweet 16, a win that propelled them to their 17th Final Four appearance.
The upcoming matchup also serves as a reminder of Houston's long journey from obscurity to prominence in college basketball. When Kelvin Sampson joined the Cougars in 2014, the program faced numerous challenges, including a lack of success and a deteriorating physical environment. "Coming to the University of Houston in 2014 wasn't anything close to a slam dunk," said Karen Sampson, Kelvin's wife. "The Cougars hadn't smelled the NCAA Tournament in 22 years." Under Kelvin's leadership, the program has transformed into a shining example of success, securing a No. 1 seed for three consecutive years.
The revitalization of Houston basketball has been a true family affair. Kelvin and his family worked tirelessly to restore the program, transforming the decrepit Hofheinz Pavilion into the modern Fertitta Center. "I did it with my daughter and did it with my son," Kelvin stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in the transformation. The Sampson family's commitment to revitalizing Houston basketball has become a source of pride as they now prepare for their third Final Four appearance.
As Duke and Houston prepare to face off in the Final Four, the implications of their historical scrimmage and the journeys of both programs set the stage for an exciting matchup. With both teams demonstrating resilience and determination, the upcoming game promises to be a thrilling encounter that showcases the evolution of college basketball under the guidance of visionary coaches like Jon Scheyer and Kelvin Sampson.
