Education
Sampson attended Saint Vincent–Saint Mary High School in Akron, Ohio from 2007 to 2010, before transferring to Brewster Academy in August 2010 for his senior year.
Sampson attended Saint Vincent–Saint Mary High School in Akron, Ohio from 2007 to 2010, before transferring to Brewster Academy in August 2010 for his senior year.
He played college basketball at Saint John"s University. He is a prolific rebounder and shot-blocker, and is noted for his speed and a near 7"0" wingspan. In November 2010, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball at Saint John"s University.
As a senior in 2010-2011, Sampson averaged 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game, leading Brewster to a 31-3 record.
He went on to be named to the All-NEPSAC first team Following the 2010-2011 season, Sampson was set to join the Saint John"s Red Storm in 2011-2012 for his freshman season, but failed to qualify academically and was ineligible to attend college.
Sampson subsequently returned to Brewster Academy for another season, and led Brewster to a prep national championship. In March 2012, Sampson recommitted to Saint John"son
In 33 games, he averaged 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 31.5 minutes per game.
In his sophomore season, he recorded 424 points and 202 rebounds, completing his Red Storm career with totals of 915 points and 420 rebounds. He was named to the 2013 Pre-season All-Big East second team In 33 games, he averaged 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks in 29.0 minutes per game.
On March 24, 2014, Sampson announced his intentions to enter the 2014 National Basketball Association draft and forgo his final two years of college eligibility.
Philadelphia 76ers (2014–2016)
After going undrafted in the 2014 National Basketball Association draft, Sampson joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2014 National Basketball Association Summer League. On September 29, 2014, he signed with the 76ers.
On November 21, 2014, he was assigned to the Delaware 87ers, the 76ers" Doctorate-League affiliate. Three days later, he was recalled by the 76ers.
On February 18, 2016, he was waived by the 76ers.
Denver Nuggets (2016–present)
On February 22, 2016, Sampson signed with the Denver Nuggets. The next day, he made his debut with the Nuggets in a 114–110 loss to the Sacramento Kings, recording one rebound and one steal in fourteen minutes off the bench. Sampson is the son of Dawnette Epps and Darrel Sampson, and has two brothers, Doctorate. J. and Justin.
Through his college career, the Akron native was nicknamed SpongeBob Sampson.