Kentucky Basketball: Potential additions to Wildcats 2019-20 roster
By Alex Weber
R.J. Hampton
Hampton, like Juzang, also made the reclassification jump from 2020 to 2019. There are some real scholars playing basketball these days, sheesh. Completing an entire year of high school in mere seconds is no joke! I certainly couldn’t have pulled off such an incredible feat!
Sarcasm aside, Hampton will be a monster get for whichever school he decides to attend. I chronicled what his commitment may mean should he opt for Texas Tech, but I seriously doubt Tech’s chances in the RJ sweepstakes. As for Kentucky, I would be shocked if he ended up in Lexington.
Quotes throughout the recruiting process from he and his father certainly reflect an affinity and respect for the program; and, had he remained in the 2020 class, I’m confident Kentucky would have landed him. However, it’s tough to pass up the chance to jumpstart a potential professional career a year early and the Cats have a loaded backcourt set for 2020. Ashton Hagans and Immanuel Quickley return for a sophomore season and 5-star combo guard Tyrese Maxey will set the nets on fire as the starting two-guard.
Though Hampton has previously claimed that he’s open to playing with other elite point guards, I think he wants to go somewhere where he’s sure to be a star and will be granted a full stage to showcase his talents to NBA suitors. That’s a sensible approach and ultimately I think he winds up at Memphis or Kansas, and I give the Tigers a slight edge. I’ll let you all know later this week where the Jayhawks stand as I’ll be in Lawrence for Bill Self’s fantasy camp.