5-star PG R.J. Hampton announced his intentions to play overseas in New Zealand on national television, then posted this photo to Instagram
Consensus five-star point guard R.J. Hampton entered the week as the last uncommitted class of 2019 five-star talent.
However, down to a final three of Kansas, Memphis and Texas Tech, the 6-foot-5 point guard, out of Little Elm, Texas, appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Tuesday morning to make his college decision.
Sort of.
Rather than choose from his final three schools, Hampton announced he would be playing overseas for the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League.
While previous high school basketball stars have elected to play overseas rather than at the college level – Brandon Jennings, Brian Bowen, LaMelo Ball and others – most have faced NCAA eligibility concerns.
Hampton, rated the nation’s No. 2 point guard, faces no such issue.
He told Rivals he simply feels it is the best option to develop his game.
“I feel like this was the best opportunity for me to get ready for the NBA as quickly as possible because that is my ultimate goal,” he said. “I think that it is a safer route for players to go instead of going to college, in my opinion.”
“I expect to get a whole pro experience without being in the NBA. I want to live like a pro, play and prepare myself like one, too.”
Since Hampton’s commitment, discussion has centered around whether his decision will start a trend for top prospects, who can not only earn a basketball paycheck at a younger age, but can also sign multimillion-dollar shoe deals.
Hampton isn’t the first to elect to play overseas, but given the absence of NCAA eligibility issues his decision, and the subsequent success or failure, he will be monitored closely by the basketball recruiting community.
— Andrew Nemec