Kelvin Sampson confronts reporter over repeating questions in press conferences

Houston enjoyed a win on Monday night, taking down Baylor. It’s another one in the Big 12 for head coach Kelvin Sampson, going for a fourth consecutive regular season championship across two different conferences. His biggest frustration of the night may have come in the postgame press conference.

A media member asked a question to Sampson, hoping to discuss cashing in on turnovers into points on the other end or how well Houston distributed the ball. However, the actual question at the end was “What does that say about this group?” Apparently, Sampson had heard that one before and finally confronted the reporter.

“You ask me that every game,” Sampson said. “I mean, literally. You ask the same question every game. No, actually, you spread it around. You normally ask that and then go ‘You scored 19 points on offensive rebounds. What does it say about your team?’ You know the answer.

“What do you think the answer is? Because you’ve asked it 100 times. What do you think the answer is? But it’s like I’m drowning over here and you’re telling me the water is wet.”

Usually, this is where coaches might have some fun with the media. Sampson did seem genuinely upset, though. The Houston head coach might have wanted a different approach from the media member. Or potentially speak on converting off turnovers instead of thinking big picture about his team. Two players sitting next to Sampson seemed to laugh through the moment.

After all, Houston did force 15 turnovers against Baylor, more than double their own amount. The reporter says they cashed in for 28 points. Definitely a factor working hearing a coach’s thoughts on when the game was decided by 11 points.

Next up for Houston is a big one. They will head out West Saturday for a matchup against Arizona, one of the teams hoping to catch the Cougars in the Big 12 regular season title race. Houston is currently in first place but an Arizona win would tie the two teams with six games remaining.

Staying out there for a Tuesday night matchup against Arizona State will conclude the trip before getting back to the Lone Star State.

Feb. 22 will be the next home game, potentially the next time this reporter has an opportunity to ask a question. Sampson might be hoping for something different moving forward, no matter his team’s result.