So is Ralph Sampson gone? UPDATE: Nope

It appears as if Ralph Sampson III has had a change of heart.

The assumption Sunday night was that Sampson, a center for Minnesota, was going to be leaving his name in the NBA Draft. But according to athletic director Joel Maturi, that's not the case. Maturi texted Gophers beat writer Myron Medcalf that he "expects Ralph to be here next year".

If Sampson does, in fact, return to Minnesota, it would be a steal for Tubby Smith. Minnesota has had quite a bit of roster fluidity over the past few seasons. In addition to the transfers of Royce White, Devoe Joseph, Justin Cobbs, Colton Iverson, and Paul Carter, there were the injuries to Al Nolen and the ineligibility of Trevor Mbakwe to deal with.

A front line of Sampson and Mbakwe will be one of the best in the Big Ten.

UPDATE: He's coming back.