R.J. Hampton will return to the United States from New Zealand in order to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft, his team, the Breakers, announced on Monday.
Hampton, along with LaMelo Ball, was among the former prep stars that took advantage of the “Next Stars” initiative, a plan introduced by the National Basketball League to give the top high school prospects an avenue to play professionally in Australia.
The 18-year-old appeared in 15 games this season with the Breakers, averaging 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Hampton missed extensive time this season after battling a hip injury that will ultimately cut his season short.
Hampton had not played since Jan. 12.
The move by Hampton and Ball to play in the NBL highlights the different paths players are beginning to take to reach the NBA. Instead of the traditional way by playing in college, prospects are playing professionally and some are even skipping organized basketball altogether.
Hampton and Ball helped the NBL set several viewership records this season.
The regular-season debut of Ball on Oct. 6 was viewed live on Facebook by one million people and the matchup between Ball and Hampton on Oct. 24 was watched by two million people, becoming the most-watched game in league history.
Hampton has shown flashes this season of a promising future in the NBA, where he is considered to be a first-round draft pick. In the latest Rookie Wire Mock Draft, Hampton is projected to be selected fifth.
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