Kelvin Sampson didn't need to prove that he was one of college basketball's best coaches or that Houston was one of college basketball's best programs by going to the Big 12.

That had already been established by years of success and a Final Four berth in 2021.

But joining the Big 12 has changed Sampson for the better, he admitted this week on the College Hoops Today Podcast.

"It motivates you because you know that you can lose every game," Sampson said. "This league is brutal, and there's great home court advantages. That doesn't get talked about enough."

The Cougars are currently 21-3 overall and in sole possession of first place in the Big 12 standings. They sit third in this week's ROTHSTEIN 45 and are -185 favorites to win the Big 12's regular-season title, per the college basketball odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Houston will next host Texas on Saturday.

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Jon Rothstein is not a FanDuel employee. The reporting of Rothstein is not subject to FanDuel's verification and does not represent the views or input of FanDuel. Betting based on Rothstein's reporting will not guarantee a successful outcome. Always do your own due diligence and use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.

Rothstein has been a college basketball insider for CBS Sports since 2010 and a contributor to the CBS Broadcast Network since 2016. He joined FanDuel in 2022 as a Content Creator. Rothstein is also the host of the College Hoops Today Podcast via Compass Media Networks.