BY BRIAN T. SMITH
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
Bristol, Tenn. – If you grow up anywhere in the South, play basketball, and your name includes the words “Ralph” and “Sampson,” you’re bound to get a lot of attention – a lot of long looks and stares.
Ralph Sampson III – son of the still-revered former University of Virginia and NBA star Ralph Sampson – is used to the attention. And he’s long since learned how to deal with, process and deflect the stares.
But what makes the younger Sampson’s current journey to fulfill the expectations his given name brings truly special is the fact that he hasn’t been alone.
In fact, he’s had a younger brother to help share a steadily-increasing spotlight.
Sampson III, a 6-foot-11, 225 pound senior center who has committed to the University of Minnesota, is joined on the Northview Titans’ (Duluth, Ga.) roster by another Sampson – his brother, Robert, is a 6-foot-8, 175 pound sophomore forward.
Together, the Sampson brothers helped guide Northview to a 42-29 win over Tennessee High on Friday morning in a loser’s bracket second round game in the 25th annual Arby’s Classic at Viking hall.
As Ralph played King Kong – recording 17 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks as he tried and nearly succeeded in swatting away everything the Vikings attempted to toss into the basket from inside the paint – Robert played it cool from the outside, adding six rebounds, two assists, two steals, two points and a block.
“It definitely helps having [Robert] with me,” Ralph said. “I try not to ever give in to the pressure or the attention or anything. But just knowing that he’s always around makes everything easier. He’s a good player and a good teammate, too.”
To many, Ralph is still a work in progress. His defensive skills – led by an innate jumping ability and quick hands – currently outpace his talent on the offensive end of the floor. But he finishes strong near the basket, shoots well from 10-feet and out, and has shown the potential to dominate opposing defenders.
Meanwhile, this season marks the first that Robert has seen consistent playing time on the Titans’ varsity squad.
“They’re both great,” said Northview (9-2) coach Steve Bombard. “Ralph is a giant and he’s still growing as a player. And Robert does a lot of different things on the court that help us and allow us to keep the ball moving.”
So, the question arises: Which Sampson takes the crown when the two go head-to-head?
“Oh, that’d be my brother,” Robert said laughing. “But I’m getting closer. I’m still coming up.”
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