The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four brings two dynamic programs face-to-face in a monumental showdown. Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Houston’s Kelvin Sampson will square off for the first time since their teams clashed in the 2023 Sweet 16, marking an epic rematch that will have the basketball world buzzing. But this meeting isn’t just about the teams—it’s about two coaching icons, each with their unique story and vision, bringing their personal stamp to the game.
The Early Influence: A Secret Scrimmage in Houston
Before Jon Scheyer ever coached his first official game as head coach of Duke, he knew exactly what he needed: a tough test. The 37-year-old chose to face off against the Houston Cougars, a team that had become a powerhouse under the guidance of veteran coach Kelvin Sampson.
“I wanted the toughest test for our team,” Scheyer explained. “I just believed Houston would be the toughest test. They’re the toughest test because of their coach. Their coach is as good as it gets in college basketball, period. I admired from afar how they defended.”
This mutual respect set the stage for a scrimmage that would be the start of something bigger. On October 29, 2022, while Houston’s football team took on USF across campus, Scheyer and Sampson sat down for a 45-minute discussion about the game of basketball and their respective teams. The scrimmage that followed was physical, intense, and eye-opening, setting the tone for what was to come.
“I think we got punched in the face many times that day. We punched back, though,” Scheyer recalled.
For Duke guard Tyrese Proctor, the experience was unforgettable. “It was physical as hell. I got knocked on my ass a couple of times. It was just a different type of game. That’s just the way they play, they try to junk it up.”
Despite Duke’s loss that day, Sampson saw something special in the young coach. “I’ll tell you how good a job he’s done,” Sampson said. “Nobody ever talks about Coach K anymore.”
A Shared Vision: Passing the Torch in Houston
As much as this match-up represents the clash of two elite basketball teams, it also symbolizes the broader vision both Scheyer and Sampson have for their programs. Sampson’s influence on the Houston program is undeniable, with his transformation of the Cougars from a floundering team to a consistent contender. In fact, it’s hard to imagine where Houston basketball would be without Sampson’s leadership.
When Sampson arrived at Houston in 2014, the program was in disarray. They hadn’t seen an NCAA Tournament appearance in over two decades, and the facilities were in poor condition. “There was an inordinate amount of rats—and rodents and birds,” said Lauren Sampson, Kelvin’s daughter and the team’s director of basketball operations. The conditions were so bad that “the lights didn’t work” for months after the Sampsons arrived.
However, Sampson’s vision and his commitment to turning the program around led to a complete overhaul of the Houston basketball culture. With the support of his family, who played vital roles in the program’s resurrection, Sampson transformed the Cougars into a consistent national contender. His daughter Lauren recalled the challenges they faced in the early days. “We always had programs we built. Montana Tech, Washington State… Oklahoma has never been more successful than when Sampson was there guiding the Sooners to 11 tournaments in 12 seasons.”
Under Sampson, Houston rose from the ashes. His efforts culminated in the transformation of the Hofheinz Pavilion into the state-of-the-art Fertitta Center, now a symbol of the program’s renewal. For Sampson, the journey wasn’t just about basketball; it was about changing a culture, a mindset, and a community.
Duke’s New Era: A Changing of the Guard
For Jon Scheyer, stepping into the shoes of Mike Krzyzewski at Duke was never going to be easy. But Scheyer didn’t want to merely continue what Coach K had started; he wanted to forge his own path.
“Jon was so secure and courageous enough to build Duke through his eyes. He didn’t feel like he simply needed to continue what Coach K was doing,” said Kellen Sampson, Kelvin’s son and Houston’s assistant coach. “He went outside the program. He changed their social media presence. Offensively, they don’t do anything Coach K did. He has been willing to coach Duke the way Jon Scheyer sees Duke.”
Scheyer’s bold decisions have already paid dividends. Under his leadership, Duke has not only maintained its prestigious basketball legacy but has also injected a new energy into the program. His approach has set a new tone for Duke basketball, with a more modernized offensive style and a shift in how the team engages with fans and the media.
A Family Affair: The Sampsons’ Role in Houston’s Success
Much like Scheyer’s innovative approach at Duke, Houston’s rise under Kelvin Sampson has been a family affair. Sampson’s wife, Karen, and daughter Lauren have played integral roles in building the program from the ground up. From navigating the early days of apathy on campus to being present for every step of the team’s revitalization, the Sampsons have been the backbone of Houston’s rise to national prominence.
Lauren Sampson recalled the early struggles: “I would go walk the arena concourse handing out team posters. I would get them handed back to me.” In those early days, the Cougar fanbase was practically nonexistent. But as Sampson’s program gained momentum, so did the support from both the student body and the broader Houston community.
What’s Next for Duke and Houston?
As Duke and Houston prepare to face off once again, this time in the Final Four, it’s clear that both teams have undergone massive transformations under their respective coaches. While the history of their programs is rich with tradition, the future is now in the hands of Scheyer and Sampson—two coaches who have turned their teams into true national powerhouses.
For Scheyer, it’s a chance to continue building on the legacy left by Coach K, while for Sampson, it’s a chance to further cement Houston’s status as one of college basketball’s elite programs. No matter the outcome of their Final Four clash, one thing is certain: both of these programs have bright futures ahead, thanks to the vision and leadership of their respective coaches.
As the Duke Blue Devils and the Houston Cougars prepare for their epic Final Four showdown, it’s not just about the game—it’s about the legacies of two men who have reshaped their programs in their own images. Whether through his bold decisions at Duke or his revitalization of Houston basketball, Jon Scheyer and Kelvin Sampson have both left their mark on the sport.