Houston lost a number of players from last year—transfers, out of eligibility, NBA, etc and then lost players this year to injuries. But Sampson pulled the team together and won and is still winning. Should be National Coach of the Year.
He lost 4 starters from last season (Quentin Grimes NBA, DeJon Jarreau NBA G League, Justin Gorham pro-overseas and Bryson Gresham Texas Southern) Those 4 had stats of 39.8 pts, 22.7 rebs and 7.8 assts per game last year at Houston.
This year he lost starters Marcus Sasser (17.7 pts, 43.7% 3-pts) after game 12 this year and Tramon Mark (10.1 pts) after game 7.
But he had brought in Kyler Edwards from Texas Tech (avg 14.1 pts and 6 rebs this season), Josh Carlton from UConn (avg 11.8 pts and 6.3 rebs this season) and Taze Moore from Cal St- Bakersfield (10.3 pts, 4.7 rebs and 2.9 assts this season).
Sampson is fantastic at finding talent and developing them. His players always seem to improve year-to-year. He recruits hard/nosed players and always plays tough defense. His players seem to win most loose balls battles.
He’s been named National Coach of the Year 4 times and been to the NCAA Tournament Final Four twice (maybe 3?). Whether you like Houston or not, Sampson is one heck of a coach. Besides, he married Karen Lowery (has good taste) lol