Ralph Sampson Last College: University of Virginia Height: 7-4 Position: Center

College Career
One of the most heralded cagers of all time, Ralph Sampson dominated the collegiate game during his brilliant four-year (1980-83) career. Sampson was the No.1 collegiate basketball player in the country for two years in a row. The center from the University of Virginia won the Wooden Award with a dominating presence on the court: 4th in rebounding nationally with a 12.0 average and an average of 15 points per game. Sampson played team ball. At the time he said: "I'm not doing a lot. I'm not scoring 30 points a game. I'm not getting 20 rebounds a game. My figures aren't great. We have a team that plays team ball. I just do the things I can do." Leading Virginia to a new level of national prominence and success, the 7-4 center helped guide the Cavaliers to an NIT championship as a freshman in 1980 and to three NCAA postseason tournaments, including the Final Four in 1981. In addition, the Sampson-led Cavaliers won 112 of 135 games and were in the Top 10 in both major wire service polls for an incredible 48 consecutive weeks. The Cavaliers ranked below fifth in either poll for just one week during that span. The three-time National and ACC Player of the Year also left his mark in the UVa record books. Known almost as much for his unselfish team play as he was for his outstanding athletic ability, Sampson nonetheless finished as Virginia's third all-time leading scorer (currently fourth with 2,228 points) and holds UVa career records for rebounding (1,511), most field goals made (899), most blocked shots (462) and most dunks (253). Among his numerous accolades, Sampson was a four-time All-American and won two straight Eastman Awards, two John R. Wooden Awards and three consecutive Rupp trophies.

Pro Career Highlights
Played for the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Washington Bullets. Sampson was picked by the Houston Rockets as the NBA's number-one draft choice. Went on to earn NBA Rookie of the Year honors. During his nine-year NBA career, he helped lead Houston to the 1986 NBA finals. Following his pro career, Sampson spent one year as an assistant basketball coach at James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.). He continues to reside in Virginia, serving as the president of Sampson Sportswear in Richmond.