James Harden says he will be cheering for the University of Houston as they take on Kentucky Friday in the NCAA tournament.
The head coach of the Houston Cougars is the former Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson. Sampson was the assistant for the Rockets from 2011 to 2014 and coached Harden for two seasons after he was traded to the Rockets in 2012.
Harden spoke highly of Sampson post-game after the Rockets beat the Nuggets 112-85 Thursday night.
“Shout out to coach Sampson, he’s done an unbelievable job since he’s taken the job,” Harden said. “I’ve been cheering for him, I know he’s going to do great tomorrow.”
Harden attributes Sampson’s guidance as part of his success.
“He’s a real players coach, I think that’s why they’re so successful over there. He teaches them, he coaches them, and he can relate to them and that’s the biggest thing nowadays. Like I said, he’s done an unbelievable job and I can’t wait to see them keep going.”
