Ralph Sampson paved an impressive path to NBA stardom and continues to shine a star on the basketball landscape to this day.
Sampson entered high school at a towering seven-foot-one-inch tall and became one of the most highly touted college prospects, eventually joining the University of Virginia.
After a stellar four-year college career, Sampson entered the NBA Draft where he was taken with the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets in 1983.
His presence was immediately felt in the NBA with the seven-foot-four-inch Sampson claiming Rookie of the Year honours along with being named to the NBA All-Star team.
He ended his basketball career as a four-time NBA All-Star, All-Star Game MVP in 1985 and now finds himself in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
And now a re-release of Sampson's OG Puma has hit shelves in Foot Locker stores throughout Australia and will lift his name even higher than the menacing big man could reach.
His presence on the court was matched by his impact in the basketball community, thanks to his own signature shoe.
With size 17 feet it was Puma who came to Sampson's rescue with a custom-designed sneaker for the towering forward.
Despite retiring from the NBA in 1992, Sampson still remains a key name around the NBA and with Puma's resurgence around the league he's back bigger than ever.
Sampson signed with Puma in the 80's and lifted the brand to the next level in NBA circles.
The re-release of Sampson's highly sought after sneaker comes after Puma returned to the NBA fray during the 2018 NBA Draft as they signed a host of top prospects to sneaker deals.
Ahead of the upcoming 2019 NBA Draft, the brand will release the iconic sneaker in hi and low-top versions in White / Gray Violet / Peacoat colourways, along with Sampson’s signature on the sides.
The Ralph Sampson OG Puma has landed on shelves in Foot Locker stores throughout Australia.