From Diapers to Dunks:

Ralph Sampson III may struggle to match the career accolades of his famous father, Ralph Sampson, Jr., but one look at his father’s impressive resume reveals a decorated lineage. At 7-foot-4 with an impressive wingspan, the elder Sampson was a three-time college National Player of the Year at the University of Virginia and had a nine-year NBA career that began promisingly but was undone by knee troubles. The younger Sampson has enjoyed early success as well. The III had 18 points for Northview (Ga.) in a Class 5A quarterfinal loss to Norcross on Feb. 29, 2008. Sampson was out-dueled down low by McDonald’s All-American Al-Farouq Aminu of Norcross (who is now at Wake Forest) with 29 points. In opening round play of the state tournament, Sampson recorded 14 points, 18 rebounds and 11 blocked shots in a first-round win, then followed that with 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven blocks, four assists and two steals in a 71-61 upset win over Marietta in the second round. In perhaps his most dominant game of the season, Sampson posted a triple-double with 31 points, 20 rebounds and 10 blocks in a December victory. Sampson finished the season averaging 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and seven blocked shots per game as the Titans finished 21-9 while making their first ever state tournament appearance.

The Barnyard Quiz
1) Why did you choose the Gophers?

I wanted to pick a place where I can feel comfortable for the next four years, and Coach Smith

2) What are you most looking forward to as a Gopher

The Big Ten competition and the raised floor

3) How do you get ready before a game?
Sleep, eat, listen to music, pray

4) What’s a little known fact about you?

I went to two state tournaments with two different schools

5) After winning the 2009 NCAA’s what song do you dance to at the welcome home celebration?

Lil’ Wayne – Championship Pop Bottles

6)When your career as a Gopher is over, what would you like to be remembered for?

A competitor who had an outstanding career

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Barnyard: Who is your favorite Gopher?

JC: Travis Busch

Barnyard: How do you get so pumped up before every game?

JC: I listen to “One Shining Moment”

Barnyard: What is a random fact about you?

JC: I like to do the “Zombie Nation” dance in the shower

Barnyard: How did you choose your outfit?

JC: This is my “good luck” hat

Minnesota vs Wisconsin(PDF)

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