Teenage sensation RJ Hampton ready to rumble with experienced pros as he prepares himself for NBA draft

He bypassed college to play professionally in Australia ahead of becoming eligible for the NBA draft, sending the US media into a frenzy, but the star teen feels no pressure under the extra scrutiny.

New Zealand Breakers player and future top NBA draft pick RJ Hampton will be the centre of attentiopn for many NBA scouts. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

THE majority of American basketball fans are watching RJ Hampton’s every move this NBL season but the emerging star is not feeling any extra weight of expectation.

Hampton, like fellow teenagers LaMelo Ball and Terry Armstrong, has skipped college in the US to play in Australia before becoming NBA draft eligible next year.

It is a move that has NBA scouts descending on Tasmania for this weekend’s NBL Blitz and, despite being put under the microscope, Hampton is relaxed ahead of the season proper starting in a couple of weeks.

“It’s really good actually, I’ve been having a great time. My coaching staff and the ownership and the whole NBL group has been really giving me a great hand,” Hampton said after the New Zealand Breakers completed their practice session this morning.

“The biggest difference is my teammates’ age, I’m the youngest guy on the team. I just came from a high school team where I was the oldest. I’m the point guard of the team so you’ve got to learn how to lead guys even though they are older than you.

“I think at the same time NBA scouts were going to be watching the college basketball games at the end of the day, I have been working for this and I have been preparing for this, so if I’m not ready tonight I’ll never be ready.”

Hampton, who attended Little Elm High School in Texas and was considered a five-star recruit and one of the top players in his class, has adjusted seamlessly into life as a professional player.

He is confident he can make an impact in the NBL — and believes the Breakers have the squad to challenge for the title.

“I think we have some of the best talent in the league with Scotty [Hopson], Corey [Webster], Sek [Seketoure Henry], Chris [Obekpa] and Finn [Delaney], all the guys. I think we’re ready to make some noise.

“I’ve been playing the style of basketball I’ve always played, fast pace, get my teammates involved and score when it’s there.”

The Breakers clash with Melbourne United at the Kingborough Sports Centre at 8pm tonight.