Rumors

Dave McMenamin: The Naismith Hall of Fame finalists have been announced: North American Committee Finalists (in alphabetical order): ⚫ Joey Crawford [Referee] • Mark Few [Coach] Blake Griffin [Player] ⚫ Kevin Johnson [Player] • Gary McKnight [Coach] • Dick Motta [Coach] • Doc Rivers [Coach] Kelvin Sampson [Coach] Amar'e Stoudemire [Player] ⚫ Jerry Welsh [Coach] • Buck Williams [Player] Women's Committee Finalists: 1996 United States Women's National Team ⚫ Jennifer Azzi [Player] ⚫ Elena Delle Donne [Player] • Chamique Holdsclaw [Player] ⚫ Candace Parker [Player] Women's Veterans Committee Finalist: • Molly Bolin-Kazmer [Player] International Committee Finalist: • Dušan Ivković [Coach] Contributors Committee Finalists: • Tal Brody • Mike D'Antoni Veterans Committee Finalists: • Marques Johnson

x.com

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2026, featuring several high-profile first-time nominees. Notable new candidates for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 include the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team, Mike D’Antoni, Jamal Crawford, Elena Delle Donne, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, Candace Parker, Bruce Pearl, and Kelvin Sampson. Marv Albert, Mark Few, Doc Rivers, and Amar’e Stoudemire are among returning eligible candidates.

hoophall.com

“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”

hoophall.com

Tim Reynolds: Kelvin Sampson told reporters that he got a text from Gregg Popovich, telling him enjoy making the Final Four - in San Antonio - with a good red. Going out on a limb and saying Pop is still Pop.

Twitter

“He’s doing good,” Sampson said after Wednesday’s 91-45 win over Louisiana at Fertitta Center. “He’s doing better. I think he’s recovered. Now he’s recovering. He’s still going to be out awhile longer. I love that guy. That’s my dude. He’s a coach’s coach.” In his 29th season with the Spurs, Popovich, 75, is the longest-tenured head coach in the NBA. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in wins with 1,391 career victories and has won five NBA titles. “There’s nobody that has done more for the game during his era than Pop,” Sampson continued. “He’s a role model for everybody.”

Houston Chronicle

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Portland Trail Blazers are signing G Taze Moore of the G League’s Rip City Remix on a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN. Moore played his college basketball for Kelvin Sampson at Houston.

Twitter

“Gilbert, I respect his game to whatever degree, but when you try to compare that to ‘The Dream,' Hakeem Olajuwon, big man back in the day, the skill-set and the footwork that Hakeem had, [Arenas] needs to go back and look at some more film because I don't think he really knows what the hell he’s talking about,” Sampson said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “You gotta understand that footwork, and the game today, is all about footwork.”

Clutch Points

Rick Carlisle: [Jarace Walker] He’s a guy that’s almost impossible not to like when you watch him play. His defense is very good, his rebounding is good; those are areas where we need to improve. He played in a great system at the University of Houston for Kelvin Sampson, who has done an amazing job. His teams are always known for hard, unselfish play. If anything, Jarace may be guilty of being a little too unselfish at times. But he’ll learn very quickly in the NBA what the game is about.

Fieldhouse Files

Adam Spolane: Kelvin Sampson said he'll be in Brooklyn for the draft. Jarace Walker will be the second player he's coached to be drafted in the lottery, the first was Eric Gordon, a great Hoosier, in 2008

Twitter

While it was public acknowledge University of Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson interviewed for the Bucks job, it was never reported the Bucks had offered him the job, as three sources insist. Sampson was an assistant coach for then Bucks head coach Scott Skiles from 2008-2011 and has a good rapport with Bucks general manager Jon Horst. Sampson took the Houston coaching reigns in 2014 and transformed a downtrodden program into a national power.

Woelfel's Press Box

The Milwaukee Bucks conducted an interview for the franchise's head-coaching opening with University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson on Wednesday, sources told ESPN. Sampson, the first known high-profile college coach to meet with Milwaukee about the vacancy, spent six seasons in the NBA as an assistant coach -- including three with the Bucks -- before returning to college basketball in 2014 and constructing a national championship contender at Houston.

ESPN

Sampson has history and a relationship with Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who was a member of the front office when Sampson worked on Scott Skiles' coaching staff between 2008 and 2011.

ESPN

Mark Berman: Kelvin Sampson in a text message to FOX 26 Sports: “Can’t wait to compete in the Big 12 next season. Go Coogs!”

Twitter

Marcus Weathers felt beyond good leaving Phoenix after having his pre-draft workout Sunday with the Suns. “It went great,” Weathers said. “I thought the group was great. I really appreciated the Suns looking at a guy like me and bringing me in.” The 6-5, 215-pound forward out of SMU with a 37-inch vertical and 7-foot wingspan is viewed as a draft sleeper. He’s already had workouts with Charlotte, San Antonio, Phoenix and Dallas – and another one scheduled this week with Minnesota. " I think the best thing about him that I appreciated was he's a tough kid," University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said. "He plays with no fear. Got a chip on his shoulder. Tough, tough kid."

Arizona Republic