This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
The 7'4" Ralph Sampson was a dominant college player at the University of Virginia. He was named 3-time National Player of the Year from 1981-83 before being selected #1 overall in the 1983 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. As a rookie he averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds, made the All-Star team, and won Rookie of the Year honors. Fellow big man Hakeem Olajuwon was drafted in 1984 and together they formulated an intimidating front line. Presented here are Sampson's game-worn shoes from his 2nd season in the NBA in which he averaged a career-high 22.1 points. He had another nice season in 1985-86 when the Rockets won the Western Conference and lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals. But then injuries began to pile up and Sampson retired in 1992 after short stints with the Warriors, Kings and Bullets. These white and red leather Puma Majesty high-top shoes come in size 17 and have Ralph Sampson's name stamped in red on the outer ankle. He has signed the left shoe on the inner side of the ankle in 7/10 black marker. They show excellent game use with stretching and some red paint transfers.
Includes Letter of Provenance from collector Bruce Tennen. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Note about consignor: A Michigan native, Bruce Tennen began his sports business career in the late 1970's covering Arizona teams as an AP journalist. He spent the early 80's working in the front office for the San Diego Clippers before eventually settling down near his hometown of Detroit and building a successful career in financial services. Bruce has facilitated credit and acquisition funding for numerous NBA players and executives. These unique experiences and connections have helped him build an impressive memorabilia collection.