Sampson inducted into Hall of Fame

Former UVa. basketball star Ralph Sampson was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., Friday night.

Sampson had a tremendous college career at Virginia, where he was named the national player of the year three of his four years at UVa.

In the pros, Sampson was the Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star, though his career pro career was marred by injuries.

Friday night, he was officially recognized as one of the best.

“I come from a small town of Harrisonburg, Va., and all we did was play basketball,” says Sampson. “I give all the respect to my high school coach, because he helped me along they way. They said there was a skinny kid over on Myrtle Street. This tall kid, weighs about 150 pounds soaking wet, and could play a little bit, but really didn’t like the game at that time.

“I learned to love the game. I learned to value it at a very high level. I have something to leave with you. I value the game to the highest level you can value the game, too.”