St. Mary’s center Omar Samhan has proven himself to be one of the biggest difference-makers in the tournament. He also has the coolest name this side of Ali Farokhmanesh, but that’s a story for a different day. Today’s story is about Samhan’s mom, Marianne Black-Samhan, and how she had more confidence in St. Mary’s than any of the players did.
Omar shared a story after St. Mary’s second-round win over Villanova, of his mom who bought plane tickets to Houston as soon as the brackets were released on Selection Sunday. Houston was the location of the regional semis and finals for the South Regional, not the first and second round games in Providence, Rhode Island where St. Mary’s spent their first weekend. As St. Mary’s spent their first two games struggling to beat Richmond and Villanova, Samhan’s mom was making dinner plans in Houston for when the Gaels won their games.
I’m actually exaggerating about the dinner plans, but Omar joked after the Nova win that the team really did get its confidence from his mom. I’m guessing Marianne saw St. Mary’s’ matchups against Richmond and Villanova and knew neither team had the size to contend with her son; Omar Samhan has averaged 30.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in the Gaels’ two tournament wins. No doubt Baylor will have their hands full with Samhan on Friday. The Bears will likely call on John Lomers to counter. Good luck with that.
