Written by: Aisha Patel

JaKarr Sampson: The High-Flying Shotblocker with a Passion for Rebounding

JaKarr Sampson is a dominant force on the basketball court, known for his lightning-quick reflexes, impressive shotblocking abilities, and uncanny knack for snatching rebounds. As a professional basketball player, Sampson has built a reputation for being a defensive stalwart, with a near 70-inch wingspan that allows him to patrol the paint with ease.

The High School Phenom

Sampson's basketball journey began at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, where he quickly established himself as a star player. In 2010, he transferred to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire for his senior year, where he led the team to a 31-3 record and was named to the All-NEPSAC first team.

In his senior year, Sampson averaged 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, showcasing his impressive all-around skills. His standout performance earned him a spot on the NEPSAC AAA first team, as well as Most Valuable Player honors at the National Prep Championship.

College Career and Setbacks

Sampson's impressive high school resume earned him a scholarship to St. John's University, where he was set to join the Red Storm for the 2011-2012 season. However, he failed to qualify academically and was forced to return to Brewster Academy for another year.

Undeterred by the setback, Sampson led Brewster to a prep national championship in 2012, averaging 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. He was named the NEPSAC AAA Player of the Year and re-committed to St. John's University.

College Success and NBA Aspirations

As a freshman at St. John's, Sampson was named the 2013 Big East Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the Big East All-Rookie team. He averaged 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, showcasing his impressive all-around skills.

In his sophomore season, Sampson recorded 424 points and 202 rebounds, completing his Red Storm career with totals of 915 points and 420 rebounds. Despite not being drafted into the NBA, Sampson has continued to pursue his professional basketball dreams, playing for teams in the NBA G League and abroad.

Professional Career and International Success

In 2020, Sampson joined the Beijing Royal Fighters of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he has continued to showcase his impressive skills. With his unique combination of speed, shotblocking, and rebounding abilities, Sampson has become a dominant force in the CBA.

Throughout his professional career, Sampson has proven himself to be a formidable opponent, earning a reputation as a tenacious defender and prolific rebounder. As he continues to play at the highest level, Sampson remains committed to honing his skills and pursuing his passion for the game.