R.J. Hampton

Roderick "R.J." Hampton was born on Feb. 7, 2001 in Dallas, Texas. He is the son of Markita and Rod Hampton and has one younger brother, Ryan. His father Rod played college ball for SJMU. Hampton first played basketball at age three. Hampton's top five movies are Talladega Nights, The Silence of the Lambs, The Lion King, Norbit and Rush Hour. Hampton's favorite basketball player is the late Kobe Bryant. In high school, Hampton played basketball for Little Elm in Little Elm, Texas. He was a decorated high school player, a five-star recruit and was ranked among the top six players in the 2019 high school class. However, Hampton opted to play professionally overseas after high school in the National Basketball League. With the New Zealand Breakers, the 6-foot-5 wing averaged 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 20.6 minutes per contest and started in 12 of 15 appearances. Following that season, Hampton declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. Hampton opted to play professionally overseas for one season after high school, signing with the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian NBL. He made his debut Sep. 20, 2019 in a win over Melbourne, posting 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes. He had a breakout performance in his next appearance, managing a season-high 20 points, five rebounds, a season-high three steals, a season-high two blocks and two assists in 32 minutes against South East Melbourne. His other season highs were set at eight rebounds and five assists. Overall, Hampton averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 21.3 minutes, starting 14 of 17 appearances.