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During the months leading up to the NBA Draft, projected first-round pick R.J. Hampton has spent time training with Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway and former Tigers assistant coach Mike Miller.
Hampton has been spotted at the Tigers’ practice facility in Memphis with the two and has been working on weaknesses in his game. Hampton has been touted as a versatile player with great athleticism but still needs to work on his offensive game, among other areas.
He has been working with Miller on improving his jump shot after he converted on 29.5% from 3-point range in 15 games with the NZ Breakers in the NBL. Miller said, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press, that Hampton has improved greatly in that area.
I really truly believe that in two to three years, he’ll be a high 30s to low 40s 3-point shooter. And if he does that, he’s a multi-time All-Star and will write his own script because he has so many other things that you can’t teach. I’m proud of where he’s come. It’s night-and-day where he was and where he is now.
Miller said they worked on reducing the movement in his shot and changed the placement of the ball when he rises up. The flaws are pretty common in younger players, according to Miller, but Hampton is beginning to be a more consistent shooter now.
Hampton has the physical tools and athleticism to thrive at the next level but will need to develop a consistent shot, especially with how the NBA is being played now. The sky is the limit for Hampton and he could be a star in the NBA in just a few seasons.
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