Mercy Miller, Master P's son, earns bigger role on Houston's Sweet 16 team

The sophomore guard has become a steady part of the Cougars' rotation after working to convince coach Kelvin Sampson he could contribute on both ends of the floor.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mercy Miller, the son of rapper Master P, has earned a steady role for the Houston Cougars and helped send the team back to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. After struggling to earn playing time in his first year and a half due to his focus on scoring rather than defense and rebounding, Miller has convinced head coach Kelvin Sampson that he can contribute on both ends of the floor. Miller has played at least 20 minutes in each of Houston's past four games and has scored in double figures in three straight contests, a stark contrast from a year ago when he only saw action in garbage time during the tournament.

Why it matters

Mercy Miller's emergence as a key contributor for Houston is a testament to his hard work and determination to improve his all-around game. It also highlights the high standards that Kelvin Sampson, one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, has for his players. Miller's story shows that even highly touted recruits must earn their playing time through defensive intensity and hustle, not just scoring ability.

The details

Miller, a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, was a top-100 recruit out of high school, averaging 29.8 points per game as a senior at Notre Dame High School in California. However, Sampson, Houston's 70-year-old head coach, was initially unimpressed with Miller's game, saying he "didn't know how to do anything but score." Sampson demanded that Miller improve his defense and rebounding if he wanted to earn playing time. Over the past month, Miller has convinced Sampson that he has made those improvements, and he has become a steady part of the Cougars' rotation, playing at least 20 minutes in each of their past four games and scoring in double figures in three straight contests.

  • About a month ago, Sampson was won over and Miller has been a steady part of the rotation ever since.
  • A year ago, Miller played only in garbage time during the NCAA tournament and not at all after the first two rounds.

The players

Mercy Miller

A 6-foot-4 sophomore guard for the Houston Cougars and the son of rapper Master P.

Kelvin Sampson

The 70-year-old head coach of the Houston Cougars, known for his high standards and demanding defensive intensity from his players.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He didn't know how to do anything but score. He didn't know how to play basketball. I'm sorry, but I'm the judge and the jury when it comes to that. I have zero interest in other people's opinions.”

— Kelvin Sampson, Head Coach, Houston Cougars

“You see him, when he's taking it one-on-one, we know that shot's going in. When he's aggressive, it's a whole other layer of offense for us. He's continued to gain confidence and gain confidence because he just got the opportunity really and he's making the most of it and just playing really well with his minutes.”

— Kingston Flemings, Teammate, Houston Cougars

What’s next

The Houston Cougars will face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament next week at Houston's Toyota Center.

The takeaway

Mercy Miller's journey to become a key contributor for the Houston Cougars showcases the importance of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to adapt one's game to the demands of a elite college basketball program. His story serves as an inspiration for other talented players who may need to expand their skill sets beyond just scoring in order to earn playing time under a coach as demanding as Kelvin Sampson.