Sampson shares his thoughts on UNCP

By Brad Crawford
Sports Editor

Photo by Scott Ammons Former UNCP basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is now the mastermind of the No. 9 ranked Indiana Hoosiers.

Photo by Scott Ammons The UNCP versus Indiana game tip-offed at 8:06 p.m. and was nationally televised on Big Ten Network.

After Indiana’s 111-62 victory Nov. 10 over UNCP, former Brave and Hoosier head coach Kelvin Sampson shared his thoughts on why success for UNCP’s men’s basketball program is here to stay.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate UNC Pembroke. I thought their kids came out and really, really competed,” Sampson said.

“We are bigger, stronger and more athletic, but they really competed hard.”

Sampson also commented on how well UNCP head coach Jason Tinsley stresses defense and the Braves’ execution at the offensive end of the floor.

“They run their offense well. UNCP took advantage of two match-ups while we were guarding them. They may have even had the advantage,” Sampson said.

Sampson also said he is thankful for the opportunity he has to give back to his alma mater and invite UNCP to an historic basketball arena like Assembly Hall.

Photo by Scott Ammons UNCP’s Jonathan Hart soars in for the alley-oop in the first half Nov. 6 at Indiana. Hart scored 17 points in the game with a pair of dunks.

“I think one of the neat things as you get older in life is really enjoy giving back and helping your community,” said Sampson.

“Being able to play in front of a great crowd is something those kids will remember for a lifetime,” he added.

Executive Editor Scott Ammons also contributed to this story.

Photo by Scott Ammons Indiana head coach Kelvin Sampson talks to to his players during a timeout in the Hoosier’s 111-62 victory over UNCP on Nov. 6. Freshman Jordan Crawford, 5, and Eric Gordon, 23, help lead Indiana to the exhibition game victory.

Photo by Scott Ammons Braves players sit in the visitor locker room at Indiana’s historic Assembly Hall during the trip to Bloomington, Ind., on Nov. 6.