Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a detailed overview of Ralph Sampson:

  • Full Name: Ralph Lee Sampson Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Shoe Size: 17 (US)
  • Wingspan: Approximately 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm)
  • Weight: 228 lbs (103 kg) during his playing career
  • Height: 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm)
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • Draft: 1st overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets
  • Age: Born on July 7, 1960, making him 64 years old as of 2024
  • College: University of Virginia
  • High School: Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia
  • Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
  • Championship Rings: None (Did not win an NBA Championship)
  • Kids: Ralph Sampson has four children: Ralph Sampson III, Anna Aleize, Robert, and Rachel Lee Sampson.
  • Siblings: Ralph has two brothers, William and Arthur Sampson.
  • Teams Played For:
    • Houston Rockets (1983–1987)
    • Golden State Warriors (1987–1989)
    • Sacramento Kings (1989–1990)
    • Washington Bullets (1991–1992)

Ralph Sampson was one of the most highly touted prospects in NBA history, known for his incredible height, agility, and versatility. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and the 1984 NBA Rookie of the Year. Sampson is perhaps best remembered for his role in leading the Houston Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, including a famous buzzer-beater that defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, his career was hampered by injuries, which limited his longevity and effectiveness. Despite these challenges, Sampson remains a legendary figure in basketball, particularly for his college career at the University of Virginia, where he was a three-time Naismith College Player of the Year.

Notes:

  • I watched every Houston Rockets game of the Tracy McGrady era. While spending my time with the Rockets, the impression was that Ralph Sampson played many seasons for the Rockets and not many for any other team. I was surprised to see how many years he did play for other teams. Sampson spent more time playing for other NBA teams than he did playing for the Rockets.
  • When Rockets fans think of Ralph Sampson, they usually think of one of the two players who made up the Twin Towers as they were nicknamed. That’s a reference to when Sampson played with Hakeem Olajuwon. The NBA may not have seen a stronger frontcourt than when Sampson and Olajuwon played together.