One of the top prep basketball players in America is moving up in the world — almost literally. According to a report from Evan Daniels at 247 Sports, 5-star guard RJ Hampton plans to reclassify from the 2020 class to 2019.
247 Sports ranks the 6-foot-5 Hampton as the No. 5 overall prospect and the top combo guard in the 2020 class. Duke is one of the contenders to land Hampton — along with Memphis, Kansas and Kentucky. After its Final Four run, Texas Tech was recently added to the mix, too.
Five-star guard RJ Hampton is reclassifying to the 2019 class and down to four schools, his father tells @247Sports. | Story: https://t.co/bCBXWv2vrZ pic.twitter.com/c4vDe8BU5f
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) April 30, 2019
As of right now, Penny Hardaway and Memphis lead for Hampton; however, it’s a tight race. Duke has obviously found some success with reclassification players, like Marvin Bagley. Memphis has already signed the No. 1 player in the 2019 class, too: 5-star center James Wiseman.
The Blue Devils also have a crowded backcourt; Tre Jones returns as one of the top players in America, and he should have to ball in his hands as much as possible. Duke’s No. 1 recruiting class also includes two guards: top-35 prospects Boogie Ellis and Cassius Stanley.
Hampton’s camp claims that won’t factor into his decision, though. Last week it was reported to Hampton planned to make a decision on his class status after the Peach Jam in July; however, that process was quickly sped up, obviously. (It should be noted: Kentucky also has Ashton Hagans returning as its point guard, too.)
,@RjHampton14 says he’ll decide on reclassifying the week after Peach Jam in July. Will then decide on college in August.
Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and Memphis. pic.twitter.com/Q0Yo95ZiTS
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 27, 2019
Duke assistant coach Nolan Smith was in attendance recently to see Hampton put on a show on the Nike EYBL circuit.