Rockets guard Chris Paul had a lot of complimentary things to say about the University of Houston (currently in the Sweet 16) at practice Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m happy for them. I was texting with coach (Kelvin Sampson) yesterday,” said Paul. “That’s better for the city and those guys play hard. They play the right way.
Paul actually played for Coach Sampson briefly along with Rockets forward P.J. Tucker in the Under-21 United States Men’s National Team.
“I’m always happy to see him doing well,” said Paul. “Coach Sampson’s fiery man. I’ve had some experiences (with him) myself that I’ll never forget. The way he coached us at Saint Augustine, I think it was after my freshman year in college, I’ll never forget it because he pushes you. If you can’t be better because of that, then that’s on you.”
Sampson coached the Rockets as an assistant under Kevin McHale from 2011 to 2014.
“I was like 18 at the time when he coached me and I’m 33 now,” said Paul. “It definitely gives you a perspective.”
