Kelvin Sampson: "I can't say enough about the Texas Southern community"

November 27, 2018 -- 9:05 p.m. CST

Wednesday, November 28, the Houston Cougars men's basketball team will play its last (scheduled) basketball game inside H&PE Arena on the campus of Texas Southern University.

The H&PE Arena has been the Coogs' home away from home since the beginning of the 2017-'18 season while the Fertitta Center was being built. The Coogs won all 15 'home' games last season; and, Houston is a perfect 3-0 at 'home' this season.

Wednesday night, the Coogs look to extend the home winning streak to 19 games with a win over University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

Once again, Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson mentioned his appreciation for the TSU administration especially Dr. Charles McClelland, former TSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics (now Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference), and former TSU Head Coach Mike Davis (now Detroit Mercy Head Coach).

Last season, Dr. McClelland and Coach Davis were very helpful to Coach Sampson (and UH Women's Hoops Head Coach Robert Hughey) and his staff and players.

"I cannot begin to tell you the cooperation and the going out of their way to accommodate us, make us feel comfortable," Sampson said admiringly. "My hat is really off to Mike Davis and Dr. McClelland. Those guys were awesome.

"I realize there was an agreement (between University of Houston Athletics and Texas Southern University Athletics regarding use of TSU's H&PE Arena while Fertitta Center was being constructed)," Sampson said. "But, their friendship - it was like we're old friends: 'Whatever you need?' We'd call Mike in the morning; and, he said, 'Yeah, come on over and practice. We'll go over to your place and use your gym.' So, we just flipped gyms. We haven't used it (H&PE Arena) as much this year because we've got so many kids with afternoon classes; and, that's been the tough thing about not having a homecourt."

"Texas Southern has got really classy administrators," Sampson continued. "It's been a little uncomfortable for them, too, because their kids had to go to our facility; but, I can't say enough about the Texas Southern community. How classy they are. Reaching out. Just being good neighbors. I really appreciate them."

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