The Ralph Sampson Basketball School, founded in 1983 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, launched its renowned skill-honing camps and clinics with a mission to develop athletes' potential on and off the court. Ralph Sampson's high school basketball coach, Roger Bergey, played a pivotal role in its creation. Coach Bergey had an illustrious 30-year coaching career at Harrisonburg High School (HHS) from 1972 to 2002, achieving 428 wins, the second highest in the school's history.
Our History
OUR HISTORY
Sampson Basketball Academy's History
His teams won six regional championships, were state runners-up, and claimed state championships in 1978 and 1979. His innovative "wild kingdom" press defense was instrumental in many of these victories. Notably, the 1978 and 1979 teams featured Ralph Sampson, the #1 high school player in 1979. Coach Bergey was inducted into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame in 2008.
In 2000, the program rebranded to become the Sampson Basketball Academy, continuing its legacy of excellence under its new name. Over the past four decades, the camps and clinics have taught over 25,000 kids nationwide, benefiting from Ralph Sampson's guidance and the academy's expert coaching techniques.
Sampson Basketball Academy has gained an illustrious reputation for its unparalleled traction in the athletic community. Through personalized coaching, rigorous practice sessions, and a strong emphasis on personal growth and academic achievement, the academy has helped countless athletes improve their basketball skills and develop into well-rounded individuals. This commitment to excellence ensures that each participant leaves the academy better prepared to succeed in their future endeavors, both in sports and in life.
About the Founder
High School:
- Top Prospect, Class of 1979
- MVP of the 1979 Capital Classic (United All Stars vs. Metro All Stars)
College:
- 1980 NIT Champion with the University of Virginia (UVA)
- 1980 NIT MVP
- 3x College Player of the Year
- University of Virginia Graduate
Professional Career:
- First Overall Pick in the 1983 NBA Draft (Houston Rockets)
- 5x NBA All-Star
- 1986 NBA All-Star Game MVP
Hall of Fame Inductions:
- HBG High School Hall of Fame
- University of Virginia (UVA) Hall of Fame
- Collegiate Hall of Fame
- Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)
"Things that he could do would mesmerize a lot of people. Being able to shoot that hook just like Kareem, turn around and shoot the jump shot just like Bird, put it on the floor, take it the length of the floor, and dunk on you. I mean, he could do a lot of things."
- PATRICK EWING
"Even Michael Jordan wasn't as big in college. In my generation, Ralph was the first great college superstar."
- CHARLES BARKLEY
"Ralph Sampson changed the NBA. There have never been any big men quite like Ralph Sampson."
- MAGIC JOHNSON
“There have been a few guys in recent history like Kristaps Porzingis or Giannis Antetokounmpo to get that label, but the original unicorn came into the NBA in the 1980s. His name is Ralph Sampson.”
- MATTHEW DUGANDZIC,
BASKETBALL NETWORK