July 20, 2026
BATON ROUGE – Baton Rouge Community College has announced the hiring of Carlos Sample as the next Head Coach of the BRCC Men’s Basketball program.
One of the most accomplished and respected basketball coaches in Louisiana history, Sample brings decades of championship success, player development and transformational leadership to the Bears.
“Our goal has always been to build a championship program that develops exceptional student-athletes on and off the court,” BRCC Director of Athletics Brock Kantrow said. “Carlos Sample is one of the most respected basketball minds in Louisiana. His proven ability to build winning cultures, develop talent and mentor young men makes him the ideal leader for our men’s basketball program. His passion for Baton Rouge, his commitment to student-athlete success and his championship pedigree align perfectly with the direction of BRCC Athletics. We are thrilled to welcome Carlos and his family to the Bears.”
A 2024 recipient of the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches (LABC) Mr. Louisiana Basketball Award, Sample was recognized for his extraordinary impact on the game throughout the state. The award honors individuals whose long-term contributions have shaped Louisiana basketball at every level.
Sample built Scotlandville Magnet High School into one of the nation’s premier basketball programs during his 16 seasons as head coach. His teams captured eight Louisiana state championships, reached 14 consecutive state championship games in Louisiana’s highest classification, compiled a remarkable 482-83 record and produced numerous Division I student-athletes, including NBA players. Throughout his coaching career, Sample amassed an overall record of 676-198 while earning a reputation as one of Louisiana’s premier teachers of the game and mentors of young men.
Before becoming one of Louisiana’s legendary high school coaches, Sample enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Southern University. A two-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection, he helped lead the Jaguars to three consecutive SWAC regular-season championships, two SWAC Tournament championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances and an NIT berth while scoring 1,399 career points.
For Sample, the opportunity to lead BRCC represents a homecoming and a chance to invest in the next generation of student-athletes in the city that has shaped his life and career. A Baton Rouge basketball icon whose influence has extended across Louisiana, Sample brings deep community ties, an unmatched reputation for developing talent and a passion for providing young men with opportunities to succeed both on the court and in the classroom. His hiring reflects BRCC’s commitment to building a championship program while serving as Baton Rouge’s community college.
“I’m honored and excited to become the next head coach at Baton Rouge Community College,” Sample said. “I want to thank Chancellor Willie Smith, Dr. Sarah Barlow, Brock Kantrow and the entire BRCC administration for their confidence in me and for this incredible opportunity. I’m also grateful to Coach Byron Starks for the foundation he has built here. My goal is to continue the success of the BRCC men’s basketball program while bringing my own vision and energy to it. We will build a culture centered on discipline, accountability, academic excellence and relentless competitiveness. I look forward to recruiting outstanding young men, representing Baton Rouge with pride, competing for championships and helping our student-athletes reach the next level both on and off the court.”
About BRCC Athletics
Baton Rouge Community College Athletics competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors intercollegiate competition in baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball and softball. BRCC Athletics is committed to developing student-athletes through academic excellence, competitive success and meaningful engagement within the community. Learn more at brccathletics.com.