By admin 
HOUSTON – Most sportswriters’ headlines describe the No. 4 Houston Cougars’ (1-0) victory over the Jackson State Tigers (0-1) at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas, in front of more than 7,000 spectators as a “ROUT “, “HAMMERED,” and “CRUSHED.” Instead, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson and JSU’s coach Mo Williams said the game should be noted as a “COMMA” in their season openers.
“You have to put a comma after it because there’s more to come,” coach Williams said HBCU Legends.
Later, Coach Sampson noted, “They’ll be good. Don’t put a period at the end of this game for them (Jackson State). Put a comma. There’s more to come. This ends nowhere.”
The relationship between Williams and Sampson supersedes the wins and losses between their respective teams. Last year, JSU was defeated 89-55. The Tigers fell 97-40 this season with virtually an entirely new roster put together by Williams and his staff.
JSU vs. Houston / Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends
Coach Sampson had high praise for Jackson State, saying, “That team couldn’t threaten us tonight. But that’s because they’re brand new. I mean, that team is going to be a good team in January. And the people who know basketball will too. Understand that. You can’t tell anything to those who don’t.”
“We have a very good team,” Coach Williams stated emphatically. “I mean, I think that’s the part of the viewers and people not understanding it. We’re a good basketball team and we don’t look like it from a scoring standpoint, but we’re at a disadvantage in every way. I think we got what we wanted out of it. We have a good film that we can get better at, and we’ll get back to work on it on Saturday.
Williams pointed out that “We competed every possession, regardless of the outcome of the game” was a significant positive for the Tigers.
Mentorship for young minority basketball coaches is essential. Coach Williams being able to utilize Coach Sampson at this stage of his career is critical to the growth of both the coach and his program.
Mo Williams reflected with admiration on his relationship with Coach Sampson, saying, “He’s my mentor. There’s a reason why I play him every year. I’ll play him again next year. And then next year, as long as I stay at Jackson am.” Say, I’ll play against him, and he’ll just make my team better.” Williams continued, “His discipline, his philosophy, his culture is everything that I embody. I obviously preach the same things he preached, a lot of the same things that he preached to my boys. I want them to see it firsthand. And I’m not talking about it, but now they can experience it for themselves. And if we say it and talk about it now, they can understand it a little better .’
“I’ve put a lot of effort into helping young coaches, especially young black coaches,” Sampson said. “Mo has a burning desire to get better at his craft. And he will get even better… I’m really excited about Mo. I love how hard he works.”
Coach Sampson’s insights point to a promising future for the young Jackson State team under Coach Williams. Recognizing Williams’ dedication, commitment and hard work as he leads the Tigers is an inspiring message for him.
Jackson State will take on the High Point Panthers at Oubein Center on Saturday, November 9 at 1:00 PM.