When previously uncommitted five-star recruit R.J. Hampton appeared on ESPN’s Get Up on Tuesday to share what the chyron teased as his “college decision,” perhaps equally as interesting as Hampton’s announcement—that he is signing a pro contract with the New Zealand Breakers, of the largely Australia-based NBL—was the reception of his reasoning. “My dream has never been to play college basketball,” Hampton explained. “My dream has always been to get to the next level and to play in the NBA.” At that, Get Up hosts Jalen Rose and Jay Williams, former college and NBA stars themselves, each pursed their lips and nodded, practically in sync.
R.J. Hampton's Decision to Turn Pro Embodies the Modern Challenge Facing College Basketball
