On the latest episode of Listen In With KNN on Fox Sports 1340AM, host Kelsey Nicole Nelson welcomed 2020 NBA Draft prospect R.J. Hampton to the show.
The Little Elm, Texas native was a five-star recruit at Little Elm High School. Despite being recruited by the top college programs, he decided to forgo college and played one season professionally in the National Basketball League (NBL) for the New Zealand Sky Sport Breakers.
“The NBL was the league I sought out and seen with my own eyes before. I had a couple of offers from teams but I felt like the Sky Sport Breakers were the best fit for me to become the best professional basketball player that I can be,” Hampton said. “I was on a championship contending team even though I was a role player and learning how to be a pro in New Zealand. The edge I have over college guys is the work and the grind everyday and it wasn’t handed to me.”
While in New Zealand, the one thing he cherished was how laid back the people were.
“People just take life day-by-day and it’s stress free. It was really cool to see because it felt like everyone was a lot more happy. New Zealand is a very Americanized country. Most of the food and music were the same,” he said.
Hampton returned back to the United States to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft. His daily routine consisted of weightlifting, strength and conditioning, cardio, basketball and rehab without breaks. Additionally, Hampton trained with two-time NBA champion Mike Miller to work on his shooting so he can be better at it.
“He’s definitely very hands-on and dedicated to his craft even after he retired. Coming back home from New Zealand and getting in the gym with him, he’s trying to mold me to one of the best shooters of all time,” he said. “That’s what I’m working on right now with Mike (Miller). He’s teaches so many things and getting the chance to workout with him is the biggest thing I’m focused on in this process.”
With the Draft being on November 18th, Hampton will find out which team will select him but is blessed to be in the position of being one of the top prospects. He considers himself to be an example for kids from his hometown to follow their dreams.
“You definitely have people who are rooting for you and you have people who aren’t rooting for you and that drives me even more. I feel that hate and criticism makes me want to get up every morning and go do it all over again. I wouldn’t want it any other way and I embrace it,” Hampton said. “I appreciate all the support that my fans have given me. This journey’s crazy and I’m excited and ready to get to work.”
