The Showtime Podcast with Lakers Legend Coop

Coop's tallest rival

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Episode notes

Showtime Podcast with Lakers Legend Michael Cooper

Episode 39

TITLE

Guest: Ralph Sampson

Michael Cooper @ShowtimeCooper and Ari Temkin @arisports welcome Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member Ralph Sampson. Ralph lets Ari and Coop know what it was like being so tall growing up and who some of his inspirations were. Also discussed, getting to play next to Hakeem Olajuwon and beating Coop and the Lakers in the 1986 Western Conference finals. Lastly, Ralph reflects on his NBA career and if he has any regrets.

2:30

What was it like being so tall growing up?

7:05

Who were some of Ralph Sampson's as a young African American man playing high school basketball?

9:11 

Ralph's high basketball IQ at a young age and its influence on his success in the NBA.

11:25

What was it like as an 18 year old being on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine ?

15:09 

The possibility of leaving college early if the Lakers drafted him.

16:06 

Red Auerbach brought a briefcase full of a million dollars to Ralph's parents to get him to leave college early and play for the Celtics. 

18:52

Does Ralph think that being college player of the year and all that came after that put too much pressure on him entering the NBA?

20:10

Coop's lightning round.

21:30

What were Ralph's expectations being drafted by the Rocket's in 1983?

23:56

What was the feeling like every game going on to the court with Hakeem Olajuwon?

27:04

1986 western Conference Championship between Houston Rockets and LA Lakers.

29:52

Blue Chew Ad Read.

30:54 

1986 NBA Championships Houston vs. Boston.

34:19

Any regrets in Ralph's career?

35:42

How much money would Ralph command if he was in the NBA today and what does he think about the NBA today?

 

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