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Men's basketball: Top prospect verbally commits to U
- Article by: Myron P. Medcalf , Star Tribune
- Updated: October 25, 2007 - 9:25 PM
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Ralph Sampson III, a 6-11 high school center from Duluth, Ga., verbally committed Thursday to play basketball at the University of Minnesota next season, according to his coach, Steve Bombard.
Sampson, the son of former University of Virginia and NBA star Ralph Sampson, chose Minnesota over Georgia Tech and Clemson.
Bombard described Sampson as a versatile center with range and finesse around the basket. During his junior season, Sampson began playing with more intensity, Bombard said. That trait and his pedigree drew attention from top schools around the country.
But in the end, Sampson liked the atmosphere at Minnesota compared to the other schools that were recruiting him, Bombard said.
"He just said that's where he feels the most comfortable," he said.
Sampson's commitment gives Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith one of the nation's top recruiting classes so far. Paul Carter, a power forward from Missouri State-West Plains Community College, Devron Bostick, a small forward from Southwestern Illinois Community College, and Colton Iverson, a high school power forward from Yankton, S.D., round out Smith's first recruiting class as the University of Minnesota's head coach.
Bombard said Sampson has a great all-around game, and doesn't feel any additional pressure to excel because of his father's reputation.
"If it's there, he doesn't show it," Bombard said. Sampson could not be reached for comment.
Myron P. Medcalf • mmedcalf@startribune.com
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