Ralph Sampson III Seems to Have the Midas Touch

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/MidSouth Editor

Sampson is planning on attending another high school, for his junior year. Check back with i95ballerz.com for updates regarding which school that will be.

July 4, 2006 - Though just entering his junior year in high school, Ralph Sampson III has helped lead two separate high schools to state championships.

Sampson, who facially almost looks identical to his famous father, seemed to be the missing link to a seasoned Butler High team coming off a 5A state championship two seasons ago, en route to a second consecutive title. Sampson dominated in the final, stuffing the stat sheet with16 points and 16 rebounds.

After transferring to Mt. Pisgah Christian School, just outside Atlanta, Sampson led his squad to a 23-3 record and the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Class III state title. Sampson recorded 14 points, nine boards and eight blocks in the championship game. As a result of his championship performance, Sampson earned All-State honors as well, as a sophomore. Ralph is also a winner in the classroom, boasting a 3.8 GPA.

“A lot of people expect me to be great. I try not to put that on myself”, remarked the young Sampson.

Mt. Pisgah’s success may be fleeting however, as Sampson and his family has decided to move on. I spoke to him about this at the recent NBA Top 100 Players Camp in Richmond, Virginia.

“I won’t be back at Mt. Pisgah next season. My family and I have decided that it would be best to attend a public school this fall.”

“We haven’t decided where just yet, but we’re working on that and we’ll make a decision soon”, elaborated Sampson

Being the son of a basketball great can put a lot of pressure on a youngster, especially if that youngster is 6’10 and also plays basketball. Sampson, however, takes the pressure in stride.

“I try to reach greatness on my own with the help of God and my family. Whatever happens, happens”, says the namesake of the former University of Virginia and NBA star.

The elder Sampson, is seen here giving pointers to his namesake at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp.

Like many of the players at the camp, Ralph is extremely appreciative of the instruction he received at the Top 100 camp and believes he has improved since attending the camp the previous summer.

“I definitely have seen some improvement in my game from last summer to this one.”

The arena at Richmond’s Virginia Commonwealth University was filled with former NBA vets like Charlie Scott, Kermit Washington, Charles Smith, Roy Hinson and others, who provided basketball skill development and classroom instruction on topics such as handling the recruitment process and dealing with the media.

Ralph and the other big men at the camp received hands on instruction from none other than his dad, Ralph II.

“My dad worked with us on post position, both offensively and defensively, and back to the basket moves. “This camp as a whole had some great aspects to it and it has helped my game tremendously.”

No matter where Ralph III attends high school this fall, that institution will get not only a rising junior basketball player, but an unassuming, gracious gentleman as well.

In addition to his father, NBA alumni such as Andrew Lang (pictured here guarding Sampson), imparted their knowledge on NBAPA Top 100 campers.