Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson proudly revealed what passes for a “serious disciplinary issue” in his program. The 2025 National Defensive Player of the Year, JoJo Tugler, forgetting to silence his phone during a film session is their most significant behavioral problem in three years.
Sampson shared this example while discussing his character-first recruiting philosophy during a recent podcast appearance. The veteran coach used Tugler’s minor phone mistake as clear evidence of Houston’s exceptional program culture, showing how their high discipline standards help create championship-caliber teams.
Sampson’s Character-First Philosophy Defines Houston’s Success
The Houston coach outlined his recruiting priorities, with character sitting firmly at the top of his criteria. “First is character. You don’t want problems, don’t recruit them. I don’t recruit knuckleheads,” Sampson stated during the interview.
“The last three years, our biggest discipline problem was JoJo Tugler forgot to cut his cell phone off in a film session. That’s it,” Sampson proudly said. His tone made clear this wasn’t criticism but praise for how well-behaved his players are.
Sampson continued praising his roster composition, using the phone incident to show their disciplinary excellence. “I have great kids. That’s why we win. Sometimes you give the coach too much credit,” he explained, emphasizing that success comes from selecting players who show exceptional character.
The coach’s approach extends beyond basketball skills to evaluating fundamental qualities in recruits. “The two things I don’t have time to teach or coach is attitude and effort. If you got the wrong attitude and you giving poor effort, I can’t coach basketball,” Sampson explained.
Sampson detailed his summer preparation methods for developing character and toughness in players. “June, July, and August is usually my come-to-Jesus meeting with these kids because once we get to September, it’s go time. There is no growth inside your comfort zone,” he stated.
Building Championships Through Selective Recruiting Standards
Sampson’s selective approach has brought remarkable results, with Houston maintaining minimal disciplinary issues while achieving sustained success on the court. The coach detailed how he refuses to recruit players he believes cannot handle the program’s intensity and expectations.
“If I don’t think they can handle it, I’m not going to put them in a position where they may fail,” Sampson explained. This philosophy protects both the program’s culture and prevents players from entering situations where they might struggle or fall short of expectations.
The coach highlighted his program’s exceptional roster stability compared to other teams facing transfer portal chaos. “In the last 10 years, our best top 10 players, we’ve had three kids transfer. Baylor had 13 or 14 kids on the roster, and every kid left,” he noted.
Houston’s character-driven culture shifted directly into on-court success during the 2024-25 season. The Cougars finished 37-4 overall, captured the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships, and advanced to the national championship game before falling to Florida, 65-63.
This methodology has successfully built sustainable championship contenders while maintaining an exceptional program culture and minimal disciplinary issues. Tugler exemplified these standards, earning the Lefty Driesell Award as the nation’s top defensive player while representing everything Sampson values in his program.
