Sampson Declares For Draft, But No Agent Yet
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota's Ralph Sampson III is among 89 players who filed as early entry candidates for this year's NBA draft.
The league released the list on Thursday. It includes 69 players from U.S. colleges and 20 international players.
Sampson's move is more procedural, though, to see whether he's ready for the NBA through the scouting process. Gophers spokesman Matt Slieter says Sampson hasn't signed with an agent and is expected to withdraw by the June 13 deadline and return to Minnesota for his senior season. The NBA draft is June 23.
The 6-foot-11 Sampson averaged 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds last season. He's the son of former NBA player Ralph Sampson.
Gophers coach Tubby Smith said last week he thought Sampson has a lot of room for improvement.
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