[1] He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he played only one season before being selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round (47th overall) of the 2002 NBA draft.

After barely playing with the Bucks, Sampson was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in only 10 games.

He was later selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the expansion draft in 2004, and signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings in 2005–06.

[2] Sampson later moved on to China, playing for the Liaoning Dinosaurs, Dongguan Leopards and Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons.

[3] In November 2011, Sampson was selected by the Texas Legends with the fifth pick in the NBA D-League Draft.