R.J. Hampton

R.J. Hampton's Biography

Roderick Deon “R. J.” Hampton Jr., born on February 7, 2001, is an American professional basketball player renowned for his formidable playing prowess on the court. He has been recognized for his strong scoring ability as well as his agility, and his journey through high school, college, and professional-level basketball has been characterized by commitment and talent.

Basketball has been a major part of RJ’s life since his early years. Beginning his basketball journey at Little Elm High School, Texas, Hampton became a five-star recruit with an impressive record in his freshman season. On his very first game on November 17, 2016, he scored 33 points, propelling his team towards a commendable 78-52 victory over Naaman Forest High School. Throughout his freshman year, Hampton consistently showcased his ability, averaging 23.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. These stats, combined with his leadership abilities, led his team to an impressive 29-5 record as well as the 14-5A title – a milestone in the history of Little Elm High School.

The next turn in Hampton’s athletic journey was his announcement in May 2017 regarding his transfer to Montverde Academy, a nationally ranked basketball program. Despite his intention to switch schools, he eventually decided to return to Little Elm where he averaged breathtaking stats of 30.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, six assists, 4.4 steals and 2.5 blocks per game in the 2017-18 season. His performance was instrumental in leading Little Elm to a 28-8 record, and his commitment and talent did not go unnoticed as he was recognized in the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American first team, USA Today All-Texas first team, and the TABC 5A All-State.

Hampton’s junior year was equally noteworthy, as he leaped new bounds in terms of scoring and defensive plays. Of note was his exceptional performance on December 29, 2018, where he recorded a personal best of 50 points along with 12 rebounds, seven assists, and six steals against Coppell High School. Following this feat, Hampton had another 50-point game in February 2019 against Northwest High School. He was named the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year on March 15, making him the first non-senior winner since Justise Winslow in 2013.

In May 2019, Hampton made a significant career move by signing a multi-year deal with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League (NBL). While his decision to forego college basketball was surprising to some, his rationale was grounded in the aspiration to “live like a pro and to play with grown men, and not have to juggle books and basketball.”

Hampton’s professional career, however, was not without hardships. His performance was impeded by a hip injury in December 2019, which required him to be side-lined for four weeks. Despite this setback, he returned and maintained a steadfast performance, recording 11 points in a win over South East Melbourne. After participating in 15 NBL games, Hampton averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting 40.7 percent from the field.

At the peak of his career, Hampton was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 24th pick of the 2020 NBA draft. Later, his draft rights were traded to the Denver Nuggets. Following his time at Denver Nuggets, Hampton was traded to the Orlando Magic in March 2021, where he exhibited an impressive performance in his debut game scoring 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists within 33 minutes of play. However, after a series of transitions involving a suspension, a waiving by the Magic and short stints with the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat, Hampton was finally picked up by the Capital City Go-Go, with whom he continues to play.

Hampton is not only defined by his professional career but also by his international standing. He won two gold medals with the United States national under-16 team at the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and the national under-17 team at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup. Basketball prowess seems to run in the Hampton family; his father, Rod Hampton, also contributed a great deal to the sport by playing college basketball for SMU from 1987 to 1991.

In sum, Roderick Deon “R. J.” Hampton Jr. has had a fruitful and varied basketball career, exploring opportunities across several major leagues and continuously pushing his boundaries. With inherent talent, determination, and a deeply rooted legacy, Hampton continues to stand tall in the world of professional basketball.