Saturday, 17 August 2019:
Star New Zealand Breakers signing RJ Hampton planned to spend his first day on Kiwi soil soaking up the culture, including a seat at the Bledisloe Cup rugby Test.
Eighteen-year-old US schoolboy sensation Hampton arrived in Auckland on Saturday, carrying the label of the most exciting NBL recruit in years.
Having chosen to bypass offers from leading colleges, he has entered the professional ranks directly via the NBL's Next Stars scheme and is touted as a top-five prospect in next year's NBA draft.
The former student of Little Elm High School in Texas told journalists he's set a lofty target in his maiden pro season.
"I want to win an NBL championship - that's my main goal first," Hampton told journalists.
"I want to further my basketball career with the Breakers and help the Breakers out as much as I can."
Hampton said he was humbled by a Maori powhiri welcome at Auckland Airport and planned to attend his first rugby game, when the All Blacks face the Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park on Saturday night.
He revealed he had forged a long-distance friendship with All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara.
"I know he is one of the biggest names in New Zealand, so I mean I'm excited to go see him play tonight."
Hampton has a month of training before the Breakers pre-season programme begins.
His NBL debut is set down for a road game against the Sydney Kings on October 18.
