VIDEO: Nation's Top Basketball Recruit RJ Hampton to Forgo College for Australian Pro League
By Thomas Carannante
Sorry Kansas, Memphis and Texas Tech. You just lost out on one of the nation's top recruits, who has decided to go to ... New Zealand?
The nation's No. 5 recruit (according to ESPN's top 100) RJ Hampton appeared on GetUp this morning to announce his decision. Many were taken by surprise when he said he'd be joining the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian National Basketball League.
RJ Hampton (ranked No. 5 recruit in ESPN Top 100) will forgo college to play professionally in Australia's NBL. pic.twitter.com/xWmh7V5RaF
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 28, 2019
This doesn't come as a complete shock considering previous speculation suggesting he could opt to play overseas and then join the NBA, but to pass on those schools is a big deal.
The Kansas Jayhawks are a consistent powerhouse year in and year out; Texas Tech's rejuvenated program is among the best in the nation and they're coming off a season where they made the National Championship game; and Memphis landed the nation's No. 1 recruit with new head coach Penny Hardaway calling the shots.
RJ Hampton making decision tomorrow - reportedly between Kansas, Memphis and Texas Tech.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 27, 2019
There is a fourth option and it’s the one I am picking for Hampton: Overseas https://t.co/yRNLyHMXAk
Nonetheless, it looks like a lot of basketball fans will be watching more of the Australian NBL to get their first look at Hampton playing at the next level.