Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson is typically very respectful toward other teams. For instance, he previously scolded a reporter for mispronouncing “Gonzaga.” However, during a brief interview in Monday night’s championship game against Florida, he made a lighthearted jab at a fictional team: Sasquatch State.
Of course, that school doesn’t exist. (If it did, likely it would be located in the Pacific Northwest, potentially as a former member of the Pac-12 before moving to a conference with better TV revenue.) CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson asked Sampson during a timeout midway through the first half about the Cougars’ struggle to make three-point shots.
“I don’t think they’ve made a three yet either; we haven’t made a three,” Sampson responded. “It’s nerves. It’s championship night. This isn’t mid-January against Sasquatch State. This is the national championship; there will be nerves. Both teams will settle in.” Play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle quickly followed up, asking what conference Sasquatch State is in. Color analyst Bill Raftery jokingly replied, “I was 5-and-0 against Sasquatch State. We won three in overtime; it was a tough road trip, I’ll tell you that.”
“They were your cupcake when you were at Seton Hall,” Eagle added with a laugh. Sampson’s “Sasquatch State” comment echoed his earlier remarks after Houston defeated Duke, where he praised the Big 12 and remarked, “We weren’t 34-4 playing in the Toy Poodle League.” Though he can sometimes show frustration with the media, earlier this year he pushed back against questions about officiating, stating, “I have no thoughts.”
He elaborated, “If I say something and answer your question, they fine me $25,000. What part of $25,000 are you willing to pay? So, don’t ask me silly questions because it’s a $25,000 fine if I tell the truth. I can’t, so don’t ask me.” This might explain why he has developed a habit of using whimsical terms (like Sasquatch State and Toy Poodle Conference) that he can mention without hesitation, focusing instead on the crucial goal of winning a national championship. Unsurprisingly, his offhand comment about Sasquatch State sparked a flurry of jokes on social media.
Sources: Sasquatch State considering Pac-12 invite. Would be huge for league’s future media deal
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) April 8, 2025
https://t.co/Xo32gHmENa pic.twitter.com/0TC6QRPE85
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) April 8, 2025
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A lot of BigTime talent’s come out of there tho.., @CoachSampsonUH https://t.co/ilDilHMmXI pic.twitter.com/GIx4EqpCbX
— 52 (@Pebo52) April 8, 2025
