Former New Zealand Breakers point guard RJ Hampton's playing future will be decided today when the world gets a peek into his Texas family home during the NBA draft.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The NBA draft is where the 30 NBA teams can pick up young talent to add to their rosters and 19-year-old Hampton has taken a different route to most of his peers to get to draft day.
A year ago today Hampton had just played his first game for the Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League - a 5 point loss against the Sydney Kings - the night before and was getting an initiation into what playing against professional men would be like.
Hampton and fellow American teenager Lamelo Ball - who could be selected as the no.1 pick in today's draft - had opted out of playing for a college side and instead prepared for an impending NBA career in the NBL.
Hampton would recommend other high school players who are contemplating their future follow in his footsteps.
"I would say if you have the mental toughness, if you want to be one of the best players in the NBA in the coming years, there's no better route than going to play against professionals and learn from their experiences," he said.
"I had so many great guys on my team that are seasoned pros that I still take notes from."
Breakers players Sek Henry, Ater Majok and RJ Hampton. Photo: Photosport
Breakers player Ethan Rusbach and Sek Henry are two that Hampton has kept in touch with as recently as this week and values their input.
Hampton believed his time in Auckland had taught him things that his peers who had gone through the American college system would be lacking.
"College you're babied I feel like in a sense, I feel like when you go to the NBL or any professional league 17-18 years old you have to grow up very quick so you learn a lot of different things on and off the court but that is only going to mentally prepare you for your ultimate goal in the NBA."
Hampton was in discussions with NBA teams ahead of the draft but he said he did not know for sure where he would be headed after today's draft which could send him to one of 28 different cities.
"I'm pretty nervous, I feel like I'm confident in my work, I'm pretty much just nervous about where I'm going to go, where I'm going to live, so it's a big step."
However, he did not expect to be waiting long for the call at home in Texas where he'll be surrounded by friends and family and an ESPN television crew that will broadcast his reaction.
"I'm stoked to be drafted at all, do I think I'm going to go below 20 - I don't think so - I think I'm happy wherever I go and whatever team gets me I feel like that'd be really lucky."
Covid-19 had scuppered some of the draft day traditions with the event now taking place virtually, but Hampton had still selected a special suit for the occasion which he promised would impress.
"You always want to have that experience of walking up on the stage and shaking the Commissioners hand but I think ever since coronavirus hit you kinda forget about all that and you're just excited to hear your name called at this point."