HOUSTON – “ROUT,” most sportswriters’ headlines read of the No. 4 seed Houston Cougars’ (1-0) victory over the Jackson State Tigers (0-1) in front of more than 7,000 fans at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. Instead, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson and JSU coach Mo Williams said the play should have been recorded as “COMMA” in their season opener.

“You have to put a comma after it because there’s more to come,” Coach Williams said. HBCU Legends.

Coach Sampson later commented: “They’ll be fine. Don’t put a period at the end of this game for them (Jackson State). Put a comma. There’s more. This isn’t the end of anything.”

The relationship between Williams and Sampson supersedes the wins and losses between their respective teams. Last year, JSU lost 89-55. The Tigers went 97-40 this season with an entirely new roster assembled by Williams and his staff.

Coach Sampson spoke highly of Jackson State, saying, “Tonight’s team couldn’t threaten us. But that’s because they’re brand new. So, that team is going to be a good team in January. People who know basketball are going to do it.” “You can’t explain anything to those who understand this anyway.”

“We have a really good team,” Coach Williams said. “I mean, I think that’s the part that viewers and people don’t understand. We’re a good basketball team, and we don’t look like it scoring-wise, but we’re at a disadvantage in every way. I think we got what we wanted out of it. We’ve got good film to get better at, and we’ll start again on Saturday.”

Williams pointed out that “Regardless of the outcome of the game, we competed on every possession” was an important positive for the Tigers.

Mentorship is essential for young minority head basketball coaches. For Coach Williams, trusting Coach Sampson at this stage of his career is vital to the development of both the coach and his program.

Mo Williams admired his relationship with Coach Sampson, saying, “He’s my mentor. There’s a reason I play with him every year. Next year I’ll play with him again. And next year, as long as I’m at Jackson State, I’ll play with him and he “He’s just going to make my team better.” Williams continued: “His discipline, his philosophy, his culture are all things that I embody. I obviously preach the things he preaches, a lot of the things he preaches to my guys. I want them to see that firsthand. And there’s nothing I talk about, but that’s what I’m talking about now.” “They can experience it themselves, and now when we say it and talk about it, they can understand it a little more.”

“I go out of my way to help young coaches, especially young black coaches,” Sampson said. “Mo has a burning desire to get better at his craft. And he’s going to get better… I’m really excited for Mo. I love how hard he works.”

Coach Sampson’s insights point to a promising future for the young Jackson State team under Coach Williams. It’s an inspiring message for him to recognize Williams’ dedication, commitment and hard work as he leads the Tigers.

Jackson State will face the High Point Panthers at the Oubein Center on Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m.