Kelvin Sampson shares approach to guarding Florida star Walter Clayton Jr.

Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars had quite a challenge on Saturday night, as they had to come up with a gameplan to stop Cooper Flagg. While he ended the game with 27 points, they were able to slow him down late in the historic comeback against Duke.

While they play different positions, Florida guard Walter Clayton is another guy who can present an absolute nightmare for a team to prepare for. For Sampson, the team can take a similar mindset into Monday night’s national title game.

“At the end of the day, it’s like the other night with Cooper Flagg,” Sampson said. “We’re not gonna stop Cooper Flagg, we’re certainly not gonna stop Walter Clayton Jr. So what we have to do is focus on us.”

So far this season, no one has shown the ability to slow Clayton down, especially during the NCAA Tournament. Entering the championship, he has scored 123 points in the tournament, setting an all-time Florida record. In the Final Four game, Clayton scored 34 points, including 20 in the second half. The Gators offense as a whole is as good as there is in the country, but everything begins with the senior point guard.

Sampson is looking to become the oldest coach to ever win a national championship at 69 years old. The Cougars have been the best defensive team all season, and it is because of their mindset and mentality. If the Cougars defense can show up one more time, Sampson will get that elusive championship.

Mark Kern