Sampson more than a scorer
Baton Rouge (La.) Madison Prep Academy shooting guard Brandon Sampson has proven he can score the ball at a high level. Last month during the open weekend for college coaches, Sampson set out to prove he's more than just a scorer.
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"I thought I played pretty well in front of the coaches," Sampson said. "I started facilitating a lot more. I was really focusing on not being selfish and getting other people involved. I still knocked down shots when I could."
The four-star guard has garnered attention from schools all over the country but says four have been showing more attention than the others.
"California, St. John's, Texas A&M, and LSU are the main schools I'm talking to right now. They have all offered. Oklahoma State, Georgetown and Mississippi State have offered too."
Sampson's most recent visit took place during football season. He made his way to College Station, Texas, to see one of the biggest college football games of the year.
"I took an unofficial visit to Texas A&M for a football game when they played Alabama. It was an awesome game. They have a good [basketball] program. They showed me around me the school and I really liked the campus. I like the way they set up the basketball team with the tutors because I want to get a good education."
The hometown LSU Tigers have also made Sampson a priority.
"They have a really good coaching staff," Sampson said. "They check on me a lot. They show me a lot of love. They have shown me everything they have at LSU. I like the way they take care of their players."
California just recently came into the picture after Cuonzo Martin became head coach.
"I just started talking to the head coach yesterday. I haven't been out there yet for a visit, but I plan on going out there if I get a chance this summer. I don't really know too much about their program yet."
St. John's has been to Baton Rouge several times to see Sampson play. He plans on returning the favor.
"St. John's is a cool place. Coach [Steve] Lavin and his assistants stay in contact with me. We have a great relationship. They have been down to see me a few times to watch me play. I'm planning on visiting there within the next few weeks."
Sampson's current plan is to trim his list down at the end of the summer and make a final decision on a school in December.
When it comes time to make a decision, there will certainly be local pressure for Sampson to stay home and play at LSU. Despite that, he plans on making the best decision for himself long term.
"If I stay at home and play at LSU, I know it will be a decision I made so I would be fine with it. If I go away, it will really have to be a good decision for me trying to get to the next level after college."
Dan McDonald is a contributing national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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