Class of 2020 Top 10 Recruit RJ Hampton Talks 16u Team USA Experience

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RJ Hampton
Photo By: USA Basketball

Many people in the basketball world probably haven’t heard the name RJ Hampton or are just beginning to. Either way, you might want to remember the name.

The 6’5″ 170lbs point guard of Little Elm, Texas is an elite talent with definite NBA potential. The young star played with the 16u Team USA in the FIBA Championships that beat Canada 111-60 for the gold medal this summer. You might want to continue to associate RJ Hampton with USA Basketball as time goes on.

As a freshman RJ averaged 24.8 points per game, 8.o rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per game, 3.2 steals per game, and 2.3 blocks per game for 5A Little Elm High School (Little Elm, Texas). With numbers like this as a freshman consider himself from here on out while he is in high school as a potential walking triple-double every night. The young star has also been named 2017 MaxPreps Freshman All-American First Team, 2017 Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 5 All-State, 2017 District 13-15A MVP, and 2017 Inside High School Sports Newcomer of the Year. RJ has already solidified himself as a candidate for Mr. Basketball for the state of Texas for the next three seasons.

RJ is already the type of player that walks onto any court with the best ball-handling ability. With his combination of ball-handling and length, it makes it extremely difficult for opposing guards to contest his jump shots. He already has good touch allowing him to once again use his length for floaters in the lane. His quick first step also allows him to blow by any kind of defender you choose to put on him. With his ability to score, Rivals also just gave him the accolade of player that best makes others better from this past weekend in Las Vegas. I have even seen RJ on film makes some impressive block either man-to-man or weak side help. RJ gave us the pleasure to interview him and talk about his electric summer.

What schools do you hold offers from at this moment?

RJ: Texas, TCU, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, California, and SMU

What schools are showing at least medium interest who haven’t offered yet?

RJ: USC, Stanford, North Carolina, and UCLA

What was the experience like playing for the 16u Team USA?

RJ: It was a great experience playing for my country with people I call my brothers. I’ll cherish it forever.

What was going through your head when you won the gold medal with the 16u Team USA this summer?

RJ: Basically that hard work pays off and just the sacrifices people have made to let me play the game I love at the highest level. I just wanted to thank them.

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

RJ: My strengths are probably getting to the basket, shooting, ball-handling, and getting my teammates involved. My weaknesses are off ball defense and moving without the ball sometimes.

What player do you compare yourself to and why?

RJ: Probably to a Stephen Curry, not shooting wise, but he can get to the basketball, in transition he can find his teammates, get to the hole or pull up, and moves a lot without the ball. That’s what I have been working on.

What do you do differently than anyone else on the court?

RJ: I see the next 2-3 plays ahead.

Any fellow 16u Team USA teammates you’d like to play with on the next level?

RJ: Jalen Suggs, that’s my brother.

Any thoughts of being one and done yet?

RJ: Not really, just focusing on High School ball and getting to college right now.

What are your goals for your Sophomore year?

RJ: To win a state championship and to become 5A Player of the Year.

With already having the physical tool along with a high IQ at such a young age, his potential is endless. We are talking about a kid who could easily be a 6’6″-6’7″ 195lbs-205lbs point guard by his senior year. RJ is the next generation of point guards that are tall, lanky, and versatile. It will be interesting to see how his development takes place over the next 3 High School seasons he has left. I expect RJ to be a top 5 recruit for the Class of 2020 by the time his senior year comes along. He and his friend Jalen Suggs will have the battle to watch for the top point guard spot in the Class of 2020. We will keep you updated with RJ Hampton’s development in High School.

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