JaKarr Jordan Sampson (born March 20, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for Kuwait SC of the Kuwaiti Division I Basketball League. He played college basketball for the St. John's Red Storm. He is a frequent rebounder and shot-blocker, and is noted for his speed and a near 7'0" wingspan.[1] He won a national championship with Brewster Academy in 2012 after achieving star status with his high school team.[2]

JaKarr Sampson
Sampson in 2014
No. 23 – Kuwait SC
PositionPower forward
LeagueKuwaiti Division I Basketball League
Personal information
Born (1993-03-20) March 20, 1993 (age 31)
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Listed height2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
Listed weight97 kg (214 lb)
Career information
High school
CollegeSt. John's (2012–2014)
NBA draft2014: undrafted
Playing career2014–present
Career history
20142016Philadelphia 76ers
2014Delaware 87ers
2016Denver Nuggets
2016–2017Iowa Energy
2017–2018Sacramento Kings
2017–2018Reno Bighorns
2018Windy City Bulls
2018–2019Shandong Golden Stars
2019Windy City Bulls
2019Chicago Bulls
20192021Indiana Pacers
2019Fort Wayne Mad Ants
2021–2022Virtus Bologna
2022–2023Liaoning Flying Leopards
2023–2024Beijing Royal Fighters
2024–presentKuwait SC
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

High school career

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Sampson attended St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio from 2007 to 2010, before transferring to Brewster Academy in August 2010 for his senior year.[3]

In November 2010, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball at St. John's University.[4]

As a senior in 2010–11, 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.[5]

Following the 2010–11 season, Sampson was set to join the St. John's Red Storm in 2011–12 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.[2] In 2011–12, he averaged 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as he was named the NEPSAC AAA Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the National Prep Championship.[5]

In March 2012, Sampson recommitted to St. John's.[2]

College career

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In his freshman season at St. John's, Sampson was named the 2013 Big East Rookie of the Year, and was also named to the Big East All-Rookie team.[6] 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.[7]

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.[7]

On March 24, 2014, Sampson announced his intentions to enter the 2014 NBA draft and forgo his final two years of college eligibility.[8][9]

Professional career

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Philadelphia 76ers (2014–2016)

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After going undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft, Sampson joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2014 NBA Summer League.[10] On September 29, 2014, he signed with the 76ers.[11] On November 21, 2014, he was assigned to the Delaware 87ers, the 76ers' D-League affiliate.[12] Three days later, he was recalled by the 76ers.[13] On February 18, 2016, he was waived by the team.[14]

Denver Nuggets (2016)

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On February 22, 2016, Sampson signed with the Denver Nuggets.[15] 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.[16] On October 15, 2016, he was waived by the Nuggets.[17]

Iowa Energy (2016–2017)

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On October 21, 2016, Sampson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies,[18] but was waived the next day.[19] Seven days later, he was acquired by the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the Grizzlies.[20] On February 6, 2017, he was named in the Western Conference All-Star team for the 2017 NBA D-League All-Star Game.[21]

Sacramento Kings (2017–2018)

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On July 29, 2017, Sampson was signed to a two-way contract by the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. Under the terms of the deal, for the 2017–18 season, he will have a one-year deal splitting time between the Kings and their G-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns. On December 6, 2017, Sampson grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[22] Sampson played 35 games with the Bighorns and averaged 17.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.06 steals per game.[23]

Windy City Bulls (2018)

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On September 24, 2018, Sampson signed with the Chicago Bulls for training camp.[23] He was waived by the Bulls on October 12, 2018.[24]

On October 20, 2018, the Windy City Bulls announced that they had acquired the returning rights to Sampson Johnson and the No. 38 overall pick in the 2018 NBA G League Draft, Mike Amius from Iowa Wolves for the returning rights to Jarell Eddie and Jaylen Johnson,[25] and later on November 9, 2018, the Windy City Bulls acquired Sampson.[26]

Shandong Golden Stars (2018–2019)

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On December 19, 2018, Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) was reported to have signed Sampson in replacing injured Donatas Motiejūnas.[27]

Second stint with Windy City Bulls (2019)

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On January 29, 2019, the Windy City Bulls re-acquired Sampson.[28]

Chicago Bulls (2019)

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On March 31, 2019, the Chicago Bulls announced that they had signed Sampson to a 10-day contract.[29] Over four games with the Bulls, Sampson averaged 20.0 points and 8.0 rebounds off the bench.

Shandong Heroes (2019)

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On July 4, 2019, Sampson signed with the Shandong Heroes of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).[30]

Indiana Pacers (2019–2021)

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On August 2, 2019, Sampson signed a 1-year deal worth $1,737,145 with the Indiana Pacers.[31] On November 29, 2020, Sampson re-signed with the Pacers.[32]

On April 21, 2021, Sampson was suspended for one game without pay for headbutting Patty Mills during an altercation between the Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs.[33]

Virtus Bologna (2021–2022)

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On September 27, 2021, Sampson signed a 2-year deal with Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA); the team also plays in the EuroCup.[34] After having ousted Lietkabelis, Ulm and Valencia in the first three rounds of the playoffs, on 11 May 2022, Virtus defeated Frutti Extra Bursaspor by 80–67 at the Segafredo Arena, winning its first EuroCup and qualifying for the EuroLeague after 14 years.[35] However, despite having ended the regular season at the first place and having ousted 3–0 both Pesaro and Tortona in the first two rounds of playoffs, Virtus was defeated 4–2 in the national finals by Olimpia Milano.[36]

Liaoning Flying Leopards (2022–2023)

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On September 23, 2022, Sampson signed with Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).[37]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2014–15 Philadelphia 74 32 15.3 .422 .244 .670 2.2 1.0 .5 .4 5.2
2015–16 Philadelphia 47 18 14.7 .426 .176 .639 2.7 .6 .2 .3 5.1
2015–16 Denver 26 22 18.0 .470 .276 .720 2.3 .6 .5 .7 5.2
2017–18 Sacramento 22 6 15.6 .543 .500 .625 3.5 .4 .4 1.0 4.7
2018–19 Chicago 4 0 31.8 .537 .357 .810 8.0 1.0 1.0 .8 20.0
2019–20 Indiana 34 12 13.9 .591 .154 .667 2.6 .6 .5 .4 4.6
2020–21 Indiana 29 4 10.9 .496 .200 .655 2.7 .1 .1 .5 4.6
Career 236 94 15.0 .471 .248 .670 2.7 .7 .4 .5 5.2

Play-in

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021 Indiana 1 0 7.4 .0 .0 .0 .0 .0
Career 1 0 7.4 .0 .0 .0 .0 .0

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2019–20 Indiana 4 0 12.5 .625 3.3 1.0 .5 .0 5.0

College

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2012–13 St. John's 33 33 31.5 .449 .000 .640 6.6 1.1 1.1 1.1 14.9
2013–14 St. John's 33 32 29.0 .495 .200 .565 6.1 1.2 0.6 1.0 12.8

Personal life

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Sampson is the son of Dawnette Epps and Darrel Sampson, and has two brothers, D. J. and Justin.[5] Through his college career, the Akron native was nicknamed SpongeBob Sampson.[38]

References

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  1. ^ Chapman, Rex (April 23, 2014). "The 2014 NBA Draft Has Ballooned Into A Scary Number's Game For Many". IREX-3.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Darcy, Kieran (March 15, 2012). "Jakarr Sampson chooses St. John's". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  3. ^ Rogers, Tim (August 26, 2010). "Basketball standout JaKarr Sampson leaves St. Vincent-St. Mary". Cleveland.com. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  4. ^ Darcy, Kieran (November 10, 2010). "St. John's signs three top players". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "JaKarr Sampson Bio". RedStormSports.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  6. ^ Leach, Jason (March 13, 2013). "St John's JaKarr Sampson named Big East Rookie of the Year". TheHarlemTimes.com. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  7. ^ a b "JaKarr Sampson Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  8. ^ "St. John's JaKarr Sampson Announces Intentions To Enter NBA Draft". RedStormSports.com. March 24, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  9. ^ Darcy, Kieran (March 25, 2014). "JaKarr Sampson to enter NBA draft". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  10. ^ "Sixers Announce Orlando Pro Summer League Camp Invitees". NBA.com. July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  11. ^ "Sixers Announce 2014 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. September 29, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  12. ^ "Sixers Assign JaKarr Sampson To Delaware 87ers". NBA.com. November 21, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
  13. ^ "Sixers Recall JaKarr Sampson From Delaware 87ers". NBA.com. November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  14. ^ "Sixers Acquire 2017 Second Round Pick, Joel Anthony". NBA.com. February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  15. ^ "Nuggets Sign JaKarr Sampson". NBA.com. February 22, 2016. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  16. ^ "Cousins helps Kings hold off Nuggets for 114-110 win". NBA.com. February 28, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  17. ^ NuggetsPR (October 15, 2016). "#Nuggets Waive Kennedy, Sampson and..." Twitter. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
  18. ^ "Grizzlies sign JaKarr Sampson". NBA.com. October 21, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  19. ^ "Grizzlies waive JaKarr Sampson, Wayne Selden Jr. & D.J. Stephens". NBA.com. October 22, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  20. ^ "Energy Announce Returning, Affiliate and Tryout Players". NBA.com. October 29, 2016. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  21. ^ "Rosters for 2017 NBA Development League All-Star Game Presented By Kumho Tire". NBA.com. February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  22. ^ "Kings Sign JaKarr Sampson to Two-Way Contract". NBA.com. July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  23. ^ a b "Bulls Finalize Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  24. ^ "Bulls waive four players". NBA.com. October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  25. ^ Hutchinson, Kalyn (October 20, 2018). "WINDY CITY SELECTS TWO PLAYERS IN NBA G LEAGUE DRAFT; ACQUIRE MIKE AMIUS AND RIGHTS TO JAKARR SAMPSON". NBA.com. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  26. ^ "WINDY CITY BULLS ACQUIRE JAKARR SAMPSON". NBA.com. November 9, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  27. ^ "官宣:山东队签下贾卡尔-桑普森". sina.com.cn (in Chinese). December 19, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  28. ^ "WINDY CITY BULLS ACQUIRE JAKARR SAMPSON". NBA.com. January 29, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  29. ^ "Bulls sign Sampson to 10-day contract". NBA.com. March 31, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  30. ^ Carchia, Emiliano (July 4, 2019). "JaKarr Sampson signs with Shandong". sportando.basketball. Archived from the original on July 5, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  31. ^ "JaKarr Sampson signs with Pacers". NBA.com. August 2, 2019. Archived from the original on August 3, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  32. ^ "Pacers Sign Seven Players". NBA.com. November 29, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  33. ^ "Pacers' JaKarr Sampson suspended; Spurs' Patty Mills and Rudy Gay fined". NBA. April 21, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  34. ^ "Virtus Segafredo Bologna signs JaKarr Sampson". Virtus.it. September 27, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  35. ^ "Game Night: Virtus is the 7DAYS EuroCup champion and headed back to the EuroLeague!". euroleaguebasketball.net. May 11, 2022.
  36. ^ "Olimpia Milano campione d'Italia, Virtus Bologna ko 81-64 in gara-6". Sky Sport. June 18, 2022.
  37. ^ Skerletic, Dario (September 24, 2022). "Jakarr Sampson joins Liaoning Flying Leopards". Sportando. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  38. ^ Rochford, Quinn (November 8, 2013). "Player preview: JaKarr Sampson's only pressure is his own". rumbleinthegarden.com. SB Nation. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
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