The Struggle is Real: University of Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson Speaks Out
The University of Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, is not one to mince words. Recently, he expressed his concerns about the grueling 20-game Big 12 basketball schedule and the impact it has on his players. With two of his graduate seniors, J’Wan Roberts and LJ Cryer, sitting next to him, Sampson shared his thoughts on the matter.
A Schedule that’s Tough on Players
Sampson explained that his team had just played their fifth game in 13 days, with three straight games and no days off. They had traveled to Kansas and West Virginia, playing emotionally and physically demanding games. The team then had to turn around and play Texas Tech on Saturday afternoon, followed by another game against Oklahoma State on Tuesday night. Sampson emphasized that this schedule is tough on his players, especially with no rest days in between.
The Welfare of Student-Athletes
Sampson believes that the NCAA and administrators have stopped caring about the welfare of student-athletes. He stated that the emphasis is on nobody, implying that the well-being of players is not a priority. Sampson’s comments may have been entertaining to some, but he was making a serious point about the treatment of college athletes.
Players Understand and Appreciate Sampson’s Concerns
Roberts and Cryer, who have been with the team for six and five years, respectively, understand that Sampson cares about their well-being. Cryer told PaperCity that they see Sampson’s concern for them all the time. The players appreciate Sampson’s efforts to speak out about the issues they face.
Finding Ways to Cope
Cryer shared his own routine for taking care of his body, including massages, compression therapy, and drinking plenty of water. However, he acknowledged that even with these efforts, it’s still possible to feel sluggish during games. The players have to find ways to push through the fatigue and find a way to win.
The Future of the Big 12 Schedule
Sampson expects the Big 12 to return to an 18-game conference schedule next year, which would allow for a bye week and more non-conference games. However, he believes that if it were up to the powers that be, they would not make this change. Sampson is looking out for the welfare of his players and is willing to speak out about the issues they face.
Conclusion
Kelvin Sampson’s comments about the Big 12 schedule and player welfare are a testament to his commitment to his players. As a coach, he is not just focused on winning games but also on ensuring that his players are treated fairly and with respect. The University of Houston’s coach is a voice for the players, and his concerns should be taken seriously. The struggle is real for college athletes, and it’s time for the NCAA and administrators to listen and make changes to prioritize player welfare.
