5.14.2019

Bird Says Sampson Should Stay in School

April 6, 1980

BIRD SAYS SAMPSON SHOULD GET DEGREE

Boston Celtic star Larry Bird says Ralph Sampson, the 7- foot-4 University of Virginia freshman his team wants to sign, should finish school before he turns pro. Bird finished his career at Indiana State even though he had a chance to join the Celtics after his junior year. Bird told a junior high basketball clinic Friday that he thinks Sampson should get a good education to plan for the years after his sports career ends.

"I hope we get him someday, but I hope he's smart enough to stay in school," Bird said. Celtic president Red Auerbach planned to meet next week with Sampson's parents to try to persuade them that their son should pass up his last three years in college for an NBA career.

No comments: