In Virginia basketball lore, the name Ralph Sampson stands out prominently.On defense, the 7-foot-4 center served as the Director of Homeland Security for U-Hall, leading the Cavaliers in blocked shots in every one of his four years. On offense, Sampson led the team in scoring his junior and senior campaigns. In 1981, he led Virginia to its first Final Four appearance. It is hard for any Virginia player to live up to Sampson's legacy, and it is especially difficult for those who have inherited his mantle at the position of center.
The Cavaliers have three players who can play the number five. Most notable of these big men is 6-foot-9 senior Elton Brown. Brown has averaged a double-double so far this season, pulling down 10 rebounds and scoring 15.6 points per game.
However, the transition from high school to college was difficult for Brown, as it is with many centers. Big men who are accustomed to dominating weak opponents in high school no longer have that luxury with the increased athleticism of the players they face on the college level.
"I know when I came in, I was 280 pounds, and I could barely run up the court," Brown said. "The college court is longer, the game is much quicker and there is a lot more athleticism on the court. It's a big difference between college and high school."
Brown is now listed at a slim 255 pounds. Opponents have great respect for his talent. Appalachian State players referred to Brown as Elton Brand, an NBA star with the L.A. Clippers.
"If you get Elton Brown one-on-one in the post, he can score on anyone in the country," Appalachian State coach Houston Fancher said.
Brown has a protégé at the center position in freshman Tunji Soroye. Soroye, a native of Nigeria, has seen limited action so far this year but will be counted upon to fill the void underneath the basket after Brown graduates.
"Tunji is already athletic, he just has to get stronger," Brown said. "He's going to be a great player. He's always bugging me 'Elton, Elton, show me some of your moves,' and I teach him a little bit. I think that his development is going to be a real key for the future of Virginia."
Soroye relishes the opportunity to learn from Brown.
"I've learned a lot," Soroye said. "Coming to the ACC is a new experience for me, and working with Elton has really helped me."
Sophomore Donte Minter can also play at the center position. Minter has shown flashes of potential, but his development has been slowed by a knee injury.
While none of these players can be expected to develop into the next Ralph Sampson, Brown serves as a model for how to mature into a productive and dominant player in the paint. And maybe after 20 years of Virginia players trying to be like Ralph Sampson, one of these men has what it takes to create a new legacy for future Virginia players to emulate.