Sampson taking visits

There might not be a more improved player over the past year in the 2008 class than Ralph Sampson III. The 6-foot-11, 220-pound center from Duluth (Ga.) Northview has worked his way into a four-star ranking and a plethora off offers.

Kentucky, Minnesota, Georgia Tech, California, UNLV, Virginia Tech, Clemson, USC, Maryland and Auburn have all offered Sampson.

Hesitant to name favorites or narrow down his list, Sampson does plan to visit three schools. The first of those visits is a trip this weekend to Kentucky.

"I don't have any favorites," said Sampson. "I'm still gathering information about the schools that have offered me. I'll visit Kentucky this weekend and then I plan to visit Minnesota and Georgia Tech. And I might visit some other schools also."

Taking his time with the process, Sampson is not sure whether he will sign this November or hold off until the spring.

"If a school presents itself, and I feel comfortable with the college, I might sign in the fall," he said. "If I'm still not sure, I might wait until the spring.

"I really haven't sat down and gone over what I'm looking for in a college. I can say now that I want to have a good overall college experience and have a chance to win a national championship. I also want to play for a program that has a family atmosphere."

Sampson is the No. 76 ranked prospect in the Rivals150.

Ralph Sampson III scouting report:

A poised and skilled player with the basketball in his hands, Sampson has a soft shooting touch out to 17-feet. He can get in trouble at times putting the ball on the floor in traffic, but Sampson generally makes the right decision with the basketball. Not overly athletic, Sampson is, however, a smart defensive player, who uses positioning and fundamentals to succeed.