Sampson a Celtic?

April 5, 1980

THE SAMPSON WATCH AUERBACH WILL SPEAK, BUT IT'S MONEY THAT WILL TALK

When he puts his mind to it, Celtic general manager Red Auerbach can be very charming and persuasive. But even Auerbach is well aware that it will take more than a winning personality to persuade Virginia's 7-foot-4 freshman center, Ralph Sampson, to declare hardship and turn pro with the Celtics. What he'll need most is a lucrative multiyear contract offer from Celtic owner Harry Mangurian.



Auerbach, who takes pride in his ability to pull off coups, will face the acid test when he travels to Harrisonburg, Va., Tuesday to meet with Sampson's parents, his college coach, Terry Holland, and his high school coach and advisor, Roger Bergey.

Sampson will not attend the meeting. He's scheduled to attend classes instead. The Celtics earned the top pick in this year's college draft by winning a coin flip with the Utah Jazz last week, and the man they want to land with that choice is Sampson. But if reports from Virginia are indicative, Sampson is going to command a very high price in any negotiations that may take place with the Celtics.

Sampson is obviously in the same bargaining position that brought Larry Bird, last year's coveted collegian, a reported $600,000 annually over five years. After his team won the NIT championship March 19, Sampson indicated he'd remain at Virginia for his sophomore year. But in an interview with the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Sun-Sentinel Thursday, he said he'd consider declaring hardship if the Celtics made him the right offer. He would have to make such a move 45 days before the June 10 draft.

"But it would take a long-term contract and some big numbers for me even to consider it," Sampson said. "If Utah had won the toss, I wouldn't even be considering it." In a recent magazine interview, Sampson made it clear that the team he signs with "would have to set me up for life in the NBA. I'm a little underweight now (215 pounds) for a center, but that could come in a couple of years."

Speculation concerning Sampson's anticipated demand for millions annoys Auerbach.

"All that stuff about how much money he'll be getting is caused by the media giving out telephone numbers," Auerbach complained. "I don't know what to expect until I talk to him. We're just going to present our situation." In contrast, Jeff Cohen, the Celtics' assistant general manager, generated optimism. "Sure I'm optimistic," said Cohen. "A team gets a chance at a catch of this kind only once every 20 years.

"The fact that he (Sampson) said he wouldn't have turned pro if Utah had won the coin toss leaves the door open for the Celtics," he reasoned. "We hope to convince him that he'll have the opportunity to learn and play behind one of the great centers in Dave Cowens. His body isn't as mature as it will be. But he'll have the time. "Coach Bill Fitch is impressed with Sampson," added Cohen. "And he feels he'd be playing some basketball for the Celtics in his first year.

Auerbach confirmed that he took the initiative in approaching Sampson.

"I reached his mother by phone, and we agreed to a Tuesday meeting," said Auerbach. "She made the decision to have the two coaches present, including Holland, who is a very good friend of mine." But Auerbach may soon discover that it is Bergey, Ralph's former high school coach, who carries the most weight with the Sampsons. According to various sources, Bergey is their most trusted confidant.

Virginia athletic director Gene Corrigan recently told The Globe that "I honestly don't think Sampson will change his mind and leave Virginia regardless of what the Celtics have done or will do. When he came to our school, he said he intended to
a stay at least two years. We're hoping he'll stay all four, but if he does decide to leave, we will be terribly disappointed."

All parties concerned agree that the Celtics' impending meeting with Sampson is not in violation of any NCAA or NBA rules. Ed Falk, director of communications in NBA Comr. Larry O'Brien's office, said that because the Celtics own the rights to this year's first draft pick, they "are operating in a proper manner in their discussion with Sampson. If you recall, Magic Johnson, who was last year's first pick, was signed by Los Angeles before that draft took place."

Bill Hunt, the national NCAA enforcer, pointed out in a phone interview from Kansas that "if any student-athlete retains an agent to represent him in the marketing of his athletic ability or in the negotiations for a professional contract, then he would jeopardize his amateur elibility under NCAA legislation. "But," added Hunt, "securing advice from a lawyer concerning a proposed professional contract shall not be considered representation by an agent unless the lawyer also represents the student-athlete in negotiating for such a contract."

According to the latest word, Sampson has retained neither an agent nor a lawyer. Everything depends on whether Auerbach comes up with the magic number in terms of money - lots of money. Auerbach immediately put to rest any rumors that John Havlicek, who retired two years ago, will be reactivated for the playoffs. Auerbach said that Havlicek was just getting in some shooting when he participated in yesterday's workouts and that there was nothing more to it. "Besides," said Auerbach, "we've already submitted our playoff rosters to the NBA.

"And no," Auerbach told a veteran reporter, "he won't come back next year. He's older than you are."