Houston's Kelvin Sampson Named Naismith Hall of Fame Finalist

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University of Houston men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson was named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Wednesday night, joining nine other finalists including coach Mark Few, player Blake Griffin, coach Doc Rivers, player Amar'e Stoudemire, and referee Joey Crawford. The Class of 2026 will be announced on April 4 during a live broadcast on ESPN2 as part of Final Four weekend.

Why it matters

Sampson's remarkable 36-year coaching career, which includes 20 NCAA Tournament appearances and a Final Four berth with multiple schools, has cemented his status as one of the best in the game. His potential induction into the Hall of Fame would solidify his legacy as a coaching great.

The details

Sampson has compiled an 821-356 record over his 36-season career, making him one of only 15 coaches in NCAA history to lead four different programs to the tournament and one of just 16 to reach the Final Four with multiple schools. Finalists for the Hall of Fame must receive at least 18 votes from the Honors Committee to be enshrined.

• Sampson was named a finalist on February 11, 2026.
• The Class of 2026 will be announced on April 4, 2026 during a live broadcast on ESPN2 as part of Final Four weekend.
• Enshrinement weekend is set for August 14-16, 2026 at Mohegan Sun and Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.

What’s next

The Class of 2026 will be announced on April 4, 2026 during a live broadcast on ESPN2 as part of Final Four weekend. Enshrinement weekend is set for August 14-16, 2026 at Mohegan Sun and Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.