When RJ Hampton announced his intention to reclassify to the Class of 2019, the assumption was that the 5-star guard would impact somebody's class in a major way and play for a legitimate Final Four contender. Initially, recruiting analysts largely believed that program would be Memphis. But after Penny Hardaway secured a commitment from 4-star guard Boogie Ellis, most projections focused on Kansas.
Turns out, it's New Zealand.
And that's because Hampton announced early Tuesday that he's agreed to a contract with the New Zealand Breakers of Australia's National Basketball League. The 6-foot-5 playmaker is choosing this option over playing college basketball basically anywhere he wanted.
"This is about focusing 100 percent on basketball," Hampton said. "I think the best route for me is to live like a pro and play with grown men everyday — and not have to juggle books and basketball."
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Hampton's decision to bypass college is a big blow to Kansas — which projected as a top-five team with him on the roster. Without him, I've dropped the Jayhawks to 12th in the 2019-20 CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 preseason college basketball rankings. And they'll drop even more — thanks in part to a recruiting class that doesn't feature a single top-50 prospect — if Devon Dotson doesn't withdraw from the NBA Draft later this week. So stay tuned.
Top 25 And 1
| 1 | |
| Coach: Tom Izzo 2018-19 record: 32-7 Notable players gone: Nick Ward, Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins Notable players returning: Cassius Winston, Joshua Langford, Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry, Kyle Ahrens, Gabe Brown, Foster Loyer, Thomas Kithier, Marcus Bingham Expected additions: Malik Hall, Rocket Watts, Julius Marble | |
| 2 | |
| Coach: Mike Krzyzewski 2018-19 record: 32-6 Notable players gone: Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish, Marques Bolden Notable players returning: Tre Jones, Alex O'Connell, Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Jordan Goldwire, Joey Baker Expected additions: Vernon Carey, Wendell Moore, Matthew Hurt, Cassius Stanley | |
| 3 | |
| Coach: John Calipari 2018-19 record: 30-7 Notable players gone: Reid Travis, PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Jemarl Baker Notable players returning: Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, Nick Richards, EJ Montgomery Expected additions: Nate Sestina, Kahlil Whitney, Tyrese Maxey, Johnny Juzang, Keion Brooks, Dontaie Allen, Brennan Canada | |
| 4 | |
| Coach: Chris Mack 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players gone: Christen Cunningham, Khwan Fore, V.J. King Notable players returning: Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton, Steven Enoch, Malik Williams, Ryan McMahon, Darius Perry Expected additions: Lamarr Kimble, Samuell Williamson, Aidan Igheion, David Johnson, Josh Nickelberry, Jaelyn Withers, Quinn Slazinski | |
| 5 | |
| Coach: Penny Hardaway 2018-19 record: 22-14 Notable players gone: Jeremiah Martin, Kyvon Davenport, Kareem Brewton, Raynere Thornton, Mike Parks, Antwann Jones, Victor Enoh, David Wingett Notable players returning Tyler Harris, Isaiah Maurice, Alex Lomax Expected additions: James Wiseman, Precious Achiuwa, Boogie Ellis, D.J. Jeffries, Lester Quinones, Malcolm Dandridge, Damion Baugh, Lance Thomas, Ryan Boyce | |
| 6 | |
| Coach: Mark Turgeon 2018-19 record: 23-11 Notable players gone: Bruno Fernando, Ivan Bender Notable players returning: Anthony Cowan, Jalen Smith, Darryl Morsell, Aaron Wiggins, Serrel Smith, Eric Ayala, Ricky Lindo Expected additions: Makhi Mitchel, Makhel Mitchell, Donta Scott, Chol Marial, Hakim Hart | |
| 7 | |
| Coach: Roy Williams 2018-19 record: 29-7 Notable players gone: Coby White, Cameron Johnson, Luke Maye, Kenny Williams, Nassir Little, Seventh Woods Notable players returning: Garrison Brooks, Sterling Manley, Brandon Robinson, Leaky Black Expected additions: Cole Anthony, Armando Bacot, Anthony Harris, Jeremiah Francis, Christian Keeling, Justin Pierce | |
| 8 | |
| Coach: Tony Bennett 2018-19 record: 35-3 Notable players gone: De'Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, Jack Salt, Marco Anthony Notable players returning: Mamadi Diakite, Braxton Key, Jay Huff, Kihei Clark Expected additions: Kadin Shedrick, Casey Morsell, Justin McKoy, Tomas Woldetensae | |
| 9 | |
Coach: Mark Few 2018-19 record: 33-4 Notable players gone: Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, Zach Norvell, Josh Perkins, Geno Crandall, Jeremy Jones Notable players returning: Corey Kispert, Killian Tillie, Filip Petrusev, Joel Ayayi Expected additions: Admon Gilder, Drew Timme, Anton Watson, Pavel Zakharov, Oumar Ballo, Martynas Arlauskas, Brock Ravet | |
| 10 | |
| Coach: Kevin Willard 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players gone: Michael Nzei Notable players returning: Myles Powell, Myles Cale, Quincy McKnight, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Taurean Thompson, Jared Rhoden, Anthony Nelson, Romaro Gill, Shavar Reynolds, Darnell Brodie Expected additions: Ike Obiagu, Tyrese Samuel, Dashawn Davis | |
| 11 | |
| Coach: Jay Wright 2018-19 record: 26-10 Notable players gone: Phil Booth, Eric Paschall, Joe Cremo, Jahvon Quinerly Notable players returning: Collin Gillispie, Saddiq Bey, Jermaine Samuels, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Cole Swider, Brandon Slater, Tim Delaney Expected additions: Bryan Antoine, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Justin Moore, Eric Dixon | |
| 12 | |
Coach: Bill Self 2018-19 record: 26-10 Notable players gone: Dedric Lawson, Lagerald Vick, KJ Lawson, Charlie Moore, Quentin Grimes Notable players returning: Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson, Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, Silvio De Sousa, David McCormack, Mitch Lightfoot Expected additions: Isaac McBride, Christian Braun, Tristan Enaruna | |
| 13 | |
| Coach: Chris Beard 2018-19 record: 31-7 Notable players gone: Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens, Brandone Francis, Norense Odiase, Khavon Moore Notable players returning: Davide Moretti, Kyler Edwards, Deshawn Corprew, Andrei Savrasov Expected additions: Chris Clarke, T.J. Holyfield, Jahmius Ramsey, Kevin McCullar, Russel Tchewa, Terrence Shannon, Clarence Nadolny, Tyreek Smith | |
| 14 | |
| Coach: Sean Miller 2018-19 record: 17-15 Notable players gone: Brandon Randolph, Justin Coleman, Ryan Luther, Devonaire Doutrive Notable players returning: Brandon Randolph, Brandon Williams, Chase Jeter, Dylan Smith, Ira Lee, Alex Barcello Expected additions: Max Hazzard, Nico Mannion, Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji, Terry Armstrong, Christian Koloko, Stone Gettings | |
| 15 | |
| Coach: Bruce Pearl 2018-19 record: 30-10 Notable players gone: Bryce Brown, Jared Harper, Malik Dunbar, Horace Spencer, Chuma Okeke, Notable players returning: Samir Doughty, Austin Wiley, Anfernee McLemore, J'Von McCormick, Danjel Purifoy Expected additions: Isaac Okoro, Tyrell Jones, Jaylin Williams, Babatunde Akingbola, Allen Flanigan, Jamal Johnson | |
| 16 | |
Coach: Fran McCaffery 2018-19 record: 23-12 Notable players gone: Tyler Cook, Nicolas Baer, Isaiah Moss, Maishe Dailey Notable players returning: Jordan Bohannon, Luka Garza, Ryan Kriener, Connor McCaffery, Joe Wieskamp, Jack Nunge, Cordell Pemsl Expected additions: Patrick McCaffery, Joe Toussaint | |
| 17 | |
| Coach: Kelvin Sampson 2018-19 record: 33-4 Notable players gone: Corey Davis, Armoni Brooks, Breaon Brady, Galen Robinson Notable players returning: Dejon Jarreau, Cedrick Alley, Brison Gresham, Fabian White, Chris Harris, Nate Hinton Expected additions: Caleb Mills, Justin Gorham | |
| 18 | |
| Coach: Matt Painter 2018-19 record: 25-8 Notable players gone: Carsen Edwards, Ryan Cline, Grady Eifert Notable players returning: Nojel Eastern, Eric Hunter Jr., Aaron Wheeler, Matt Haarms, Trevion Williams, Evan Boudreaux, Sasha Stefanovic Expected additions: Brandon Newman, Isaiah Thompson, Mason Gillis, Jahaad Proctor | |
| 19 | |
| Coach: Mike Rhoades 2018-19 record: 25-8 Notable players gone: Michael Gilmore, Sean Mobley Notable players returning: Marcus Evans, Isaac Vann, Deriante Jenkins, Marcus Santos-Silva, Vince Williams, Mike'L Simms, P.J. Byrd, Malik Crowfield Expected additions: Jarren McAlister, Tre Clarke | |
| 20 | |
| Coach: Rick Barnes 2018-19 record: 31-6 Notable players gone: Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, Jordan Bone, Kyle Alexander, Derrick Walker Notable players returning: Lamonte Turner, Jordan Bowden, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons, Jalen Johnson Expected additions: Josiah-Jordan James, Drew Pember, Davonte Gaines | |
| 21 | |
| Coach: Scott Drew 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players gone: Makai Mason, King McClure Notable players returning: Devonte Bandoo, Jared Butler, Tristan Clark, Freddie Gillespie, Mario Kegler, Matthew Mayer, Flo Thamba, Mark Vital Expected additions: Davion Mitchell, Macio Teague, Jordan Turner | |
| 22 | |
| Coach: Greg McDermott 2018-19 record: 20-15 Notable players gone: Kaleb Joseph, Martin Krampelj, Connor Cashaw, Samson Froling Notable players returning: Ty-Shon Alexander, Mitch Ballock, Marcus Zegarowski, Davion Mintz, Damien Jefferson, Christian Bishop Expected additions: Shareef Mitchell, Jalen Windham | |
| 23 | |
| Coach: Chris Holtmann 2018-19 record: 20-15 Notable players gone: CJ Jackson, Keyshawn Woods Notable players returning: Kaleb Wesson, Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Duane Washington, Kyle Young, Justin Aherns, Musa Jallow, Jaedon LeDee Expected additions: DJ Carton, Alonzo Gaffney, EJ Liddel, Ibrahima Diallo, CJ Walker | |
| 24 | |
| Coach: Bob McKillop 2018-19 record: 24-10 Notable players gone: Nathan Ekwu, Dusan Kovacevic Notable players returning: Kellan Grady, Jon Axel Gudmundson, Luka Brajkovic, Luke Frampton, Kishawn Pritchett, Carter Collins, David Czerapowics, Bates Jones Expected additions: N/A | |
| 25 | |
2018-19 record: 28-7 Notable players gone: Quinn Taylor, Dwayne Brown Notable players returning: Sam Merrill, Neemias Queta, Diogo Brito, Brock Miller, Abel Porter, Justin Bean Expected additions: Alphonso Anderson, Liam McChesney, Sean Bairstow, Cade Potter, Jakub Karwowski | |
| 26 | |
Coach: Randy Bennett 2018-19 record: 22-12 Notable players gone: Jordan Hunter Notable players returning: Jordan Ford, Malik Fitts, Tanner Krebs, Tommy Kuhse, Elijah Thomas, Matthias Tass, Dan Fotu, Jock Perry Expected additions: Alex Ducas, Kyle Bowen | |
Top 25 And 1 analysis
Biggest Movers
1
7
| Rk | Teams | Chg | Rcrd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | -- | 1-0 | |
Cassius Winston's decision to return to Michigan State for his senior season was enough to keep Tom Izzo's team No. 1 in the Top 25 And 1. The Spartans are returning three of the top four scorers from a 32-win team that won the Big Ten regular-season title and Big Ten Tournament title before advancing to the Final Four.
| |||
| 2 | -- | 1-0 | |
The Blue Devils are enrolling a top-five recruiting class for the sixth consecutive season - one that's highlighted by 5-star prospects Vernon Carey and Matthew Hurt. The return of Tre Jones will give Mike Krzyzewski the type of experience in the backcourt most great teams possess.
| |||
| 3 | -- | 1-0 | |
The return of Ashtan Hagans for his sophomore year is massive for Kentucky. He'll combine with one of the nation's top recruiting classes to create what should be the SEC's best team.
| |||
| 4 | -- | 1-0 | |
Jordan Nwora has declared for the NBA Draft but left open the option of returning to Louisville. If he does, he'll be the leading returning scorer for a program set to enroll a top-10 recruiting class - not to mention graduate transfer Lamarr Kimble, who averaged 15.6 points per game at Saint Joseph's this season.
| |||
| 5 | 1 | 1-0 | |
Penny Hardaway has secured what is arguably the best recruiting class in school history. It's highlighted by 5-star center James Wiseman and 5-star forward Precious Achiuwa - both of whom project as top-10 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft.
| |||
| 6 | 1 | 1-0 | |
The early loss of Bruno Fernando should mostly be offset by the return of Jalen Smith and addition of former 5-star prospect Chol Marial. The Terrapins will be talented, experienced and a real threat to Michigan State at the top of the Big Ten.
| |||
| 7 | 1 | 1-0 | |
The loss of Coby White after one season stings a little considering he didn't project as a one-and-done prospect coming out of high school. But the enrollment of 5-star guard Cole Anthony should fill any hole UNC might otherwise have in the backcourt.
| |||
| 8 | 1 | 0-0 | |
The Cavaliers are losing the top three scorers from their national championship team, all of whom are entering the NBA Draft early. But Tony Bennett still has enough to keep Virginia nationally relevant.
| |||
| 9 | 1 | 1-0 | |
Zach Norvell's decision to remain in the NBA Draft means Gonzaga is losing the top four scorers from last season's team. That's among the reasons why it was crucial for Mark Few to secure a top-10 recruiting class and enroll a heralded graduate transfer like Admon Gilder.
| |||
| 10 | 1 | 1-0 | |
Kevin Willard spoke with Virginia Tech about its opening but ultimately remained at Seton Hall. He has a roster good enough to take the Pirates to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year.
| |||
| 11 | 1 | 1-0 | |
In a bit of a twist, Villanova will not be the favorite to win the Big East. But the Wildcats, thanks to a top-five recruiting class, should still operate near the top of the sport.
| |||
| 12 | 7 | 1-0 | |
The Jayhawks are losing three of the top six scorers from a team that only went 6-4 in its final 10 games last season. The lack of impactful recruits could prevent Kansas from being a real Final Four contender.
| |||
| 13 | -- | 0-0 | |
Chris Beard has once again reloaded in Lubbock via the graduate-transfer market. The Red Raiders, thanks to the late additions of Chris Clarke and T.J. Holyfield, should compete for back-to-back Big 12 titles.
| |||
| 14 | -- | 1-0 | |
Sean Miller, even with an NCAA cloud hovering over his program, has secured a top-five recruiting class that should return the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament. The addition of grad-transfer Max Hazzard was a nice late development.
| |||
| 15 | -- | 0-0 | |
Chuma Okeke's decision to remain in the 2019 NBA Draft is another early-entry blow to the Tigers. But Auburn is still returning three of the top six scorers from a team that won 30 games and advanced to the Final Four.
| |||
| 16 | -- | 1-0 | |
Tyler Cook is determined to remain in the NBA Draft, which isn't ideal for Iowa. But the Hawkeyes are still returning two of their top four scorers - most notably Luka Garza.
| |||
| 17 | -- | 1-0 | |
Houston reaching a deal on a contract extension for Kelvin Sampson was a massive development for the AAC program. The Cougars will be capable of winning back-to-back league titles.
| |||
| 18 | -- | 1-0 | |
The loss of Carsen Edwards is obviously a big deal. But Matt Painter has proven capable of running a competent program even when he loses key pieces.
| |||
| 19 | -- | 1-0 | |
Every relevant piece from a VCU team that won the Atlantic 10 by two games should be back. That includes four players who averaged double-digits in points this season.
| |||
| 20 | -- | 1-0 | |
The Vols are losing the top three scorers from a 31-win team that spent part of last season ranked No. 1. That alone represents 48.8 points per game that must be replaced in some form.
| |||
| 21 | -- | 0-1 | |
The Bears are losing Makai Mason and King McClure. But they'll get Tristan Clark back and likely make the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in a seven-year span.
| |||
| 22 | -- | 0-0 | |
The Bluejays are returning all five starters from a team that closed the season by winning seven of their final nine games. That should be enough to help Creighton advance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.
| |||
| 23 | -- | 1-0 | |
Five of the top seven scorers from a team that spent part of last season ranked are expected back - including Kaleb Wesson, who averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 rebounds as a sophomore. Those returnees, combined with a top-15 recruiting class, should have Chris Holtmann in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight year.
| |||
| 24 | -- | 1-0 | |
The top six scorers from a Davidson team that finished 14-4 in the Atlantic 10 are expected back - including A-10 Player of the Year Jon Axel Gudmundson. As long as Kellan Grady stays healthy, the Wildcats will be good enough to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
| |||
| 25 | -- | 0-0 | |
The top four scorers from a 28-win team are all expected back - most notably Sam Merrill, who averaged 20.9 points per game last season. Barring a surprise or injury, he'll win back-to-back Mountain West Conference Player of the Year awards.
| |||
| 26 | -- | 1-0 | |
The Gaels are expected to return seven players who averaged at least 13 minutes per game last season - most notably Jordan Ford, who averaged 21.1 points while shooting 41.2 percent from 3-point range. Saint Mary's should be good enough to provide Gonzaga with a real challenge in the WCC.
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