Is Ralph's Career officially over?

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Moses87

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Tubby said he was going to play last week at LaSalle...DNP...Then they said Miami...DNP...MTSU DNP....

Will he play in New York?

We could really use his fouls if nothing else...
 

Pardon my ignorance, but do we know for certain why he's not playing?
 

I'm not certain...He tweaked his knee in practice about 4 weeks ago. ESPN never even mentioned his injury last night. Very poor job of reporting by ESPN.
 

No, it's not officially over until there are no more games left to play.

Or did you mean unofficially over?
 

No, I was unsure because I thought I missed something last night in the pregame show. ESPN didn't mention anything at all. You would think two professionals like Dykes and Nessler would at least take some interest in updating his status....but nothing!
 


Moses87 said:
No, I was unsure because I thought I missed something last night in the pregame show. ESPN didn't mention anything at all. You would think two professionals like Dykes and Nessler would at least take some interest in updating his status....but nothing!
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They said he was hurt, but nothing else really.
 

Ralph's situation is rather odd. It's almost like he's not even on the team anymore. Usually you'll hear game-to-game updates on the status of injured players. That hasn't been the case with Ralph?

And that after Tubbing saying he would play (I think he said it after the LaSalle game) at some point in the NIT?
 

I was at the MTSU game and spent a good deal of time just watching Ralph.

He jogged onto the floor, jogged off the floor. Seems to be a good teammate yet when guys come to the bench, he's there with a high-five. All in all, there is nothing obvious indicating an injury.

That said, I'm baffled by this situation. There is no way you can go from a 3-year starter to complete bench-warmer. He's got to be hurt, right?
 

I'd even accept bi-lateral leg weakness as an excuse right now. The way the team's been playing now, does anyone really care? Maybe he's happy where he's at. Team has been much more aggressive without him. Even Ingram has shown some fight in his limited chances.
 



Before the LaSalle game they announcer mentioned Ralph Sampson III's knee injury and that it kept him out of the Big Ten Tournament but he was back practicing with the team. I have no idea why he isnt playing but I have not really missed him either. EE had a great game last night, Ingram had his best game of the year against Miami, and against LaSalle he wasnt really needed either. I think its great that we are playing well without him because he wont be on the team next year. Its a great preview of what is to come when next season roles around.
 

big10guy said:
I'd even accept bi-lateral leg weakness as an excuse right now. The way the team's been playing now, does anyone really care? Maybe he's happy where he's at. Team has been much more aggressive without him. Even Ingram has shown some fight in his limited chances.
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Exactly. The offense flows much better than when Ralph is out on the perimeter clogging things up.
 

I'll tell you what.

The worst possible thing for Ralph's legacy right now would be if we lost the game in which he came back.

If he stays out and we lose: Ralph wins
If he plays and we win out: Ralph wins
If he plays and we don't win NIT: Ralph loses
 

Ralph was able to go last night if they needed him, I'd bet he plays Tuesday. With that being said, I'm in the boat that believes we are a better team without him.
 



MadtownGopher said:
Ralph was able to go last night if they needed him, I'd bet he plays Tuesday. With that being said, I'm in the boat that believes we are a better team without him.
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Last night I'd bet Ralph would have put up 20.

I'd definitely rather have Ralph than not. He is a good shooter, makes free throws, and a safety net on inbounds passes. He is better offensively by far than EE. EE shows more hustle, but in nearly all aspects of talent, Ralph is the better player.
 

big10guy said:
I'd even accept bi-lateral leg weakness as an excuse right now. The way the team's been playing now, does anyone really care? Maybe he's happy where he's at. Team has been much more aggressive without him. Even Ingram has shown some fight in his limited chances.
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Joe Mauer advised him not play unless he feels 100%.
 

scher215 said:
Last night I'd bet Ralph would have put up 20.

I'd definitely rather have Ralph than not. He is a good shooter, makes free throws, and a safety net on inbounds passes. He is better offensively by far than EE. EE shows more hustle, but in nearly all aspects of talent, Ralph is the better player.
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Ralph's softness and passiveness rubs off on the rest of the team, his sky hooks are also mementum killers for our offense. Give me Eazy E over Ralph all day long.
 

bigticket1 said:
Exactly. The offense flows much better than when Ralph is out on the perimeter clogging things up.
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I've noticed the same thing. Rodney is playing a lot more confidently with all the open space.

Sampson had an odd career that, stealing a line from T.S. Eliot, is ending "not with a bang but a whimper."
 

MadtownGopher said:
Ralph's softness and passiveness rubs off on the rest of the team, his sky hooks are also mementum killers for our offense. Give me Eazy E over Ralph all day long.
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I hate talking negatively about any of our own players, but I completely agree with this.
 

I believe he actually gave us his best. We may have expected more but It is what it is.
 

I have been as critical as anybody about his lack of development, but we could definitely have used his 5 fouls and low post presence on both sides of the ball last night.

I hope Tubby finds a way to use him and I hope for Ralph's sake he's able to go out on a more positive note. I like the kid and his old man and wish them nothing but the best.
 

Moses87 said:
I have been as critical as anybody about his lack of development, but we could definitely have used his 5 fouls and low post presence on both sides of the ball last night.

I hope Tubby finds a way to use him and I hope for Ralph's sake he's able to go out on a more positive note. I like the kid and his old man and wish them nothing but the best.
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Well said. Agree completely.
 

When they showed Dykes in the pre-game meeting with the refs and captains, Ralph was still out there for that. So it appears he is still serving at least as a team captain. Which would make you think he still is involved and part of the team.
 

Unless there is no question about his knee/ankle problems, I don't expect to see him play. He has had sufficient time to show his college skills. Now he will wait ( and be healthy) for pro tryouts. Too close to his finish line to re-injure any body parts.
 

Ralph's "advisors" might want to have some fire planted in his belly before any pro tryouts, on whatever continent. Other guys at those camps are playing for their lives and show a sense of urgency.
 

I don't mean this to rip on Ralph, but I like our team much better with EE in the game. EE does more than hustle, he uses his size consistantly (showing on pick and roll, putting his body on people, tipping rebounds and altering shots). I think with our current team, EE makes a lot more sense. Ralph played good with a guy like Mbakwe (high energy, large PF, who was strong enough to overcome Ralph's softness (I couldn't think of a better term). However, with Rodney Williams, I much prefer EE playing next to him.
 


“@GophersNow: Ralph Sampson III is practicing but his knee is still not fully healthy. Status for game is uncertain.”
 


per Amelia:

Ralph Sampson III has been practicing with the team, but has been unable to explode off his knee, Smith said. He did not say whether Sampson would be available on Tuesday, but the staff has said for several prior games that Sampson was available; however, he has not played since the last game of the season, against Nebraska. Sampson tweaked his knee in a practice leading into the Big Ten tournament.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/144099546.html

Go Gophers!!
 

Bleed, thanks for taking the time to share some factual information. However, it is still sometimes more fun to read the idiotic speculation from some of our experts on GH.
 

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