Five-star wing Ryan Hampton is Mark Pope’s highest rated ever. Furthermore, Ryan committed to the Wildcats on June 7th following official visit to Lexington.
Bleed Blue Network conducted an interview with Ryan right after his commitment. We asked questions including why Kentucky made the most sense in such an early commitment for prospects in the Class of 2027.
Ryan Hampton and his father, Rod graciously agreed to take the time to speak with Bleed Blue’s Dylan Brake. They answered many questions for Big Blue Nation.
Enjoy this extensive Q/A with Five-Star commit Ryan Hampton.
Interview with Five-star wing Ryan Hampton
Who’s Ryan Hampton outside of Basketball, when you’ve got that limited free time from the court, what are your favorite things to do?
Ryan Hampton outside of Basketball is a big family man. Loves to be with his family, also loves to fish. We have a ranch so we do family time at the ranch when we have down time. Just to relax, and fish, ride 4 Wheelers, and just chill out. I also love to play video games!
You were kinda thrown into the spotlight early not only because of your skill, but also how great your brother RJ was, what were some important lessons you’ve learned from not only that experience, but also from your brother and the advice he’s given you as he’s went through this situation as a top recruit.
“Having the last name of Hampton comes with some high expectations, but my brother is my biggest fan and my hardest critic. I’ve definitely learned a lot from him, as a brother and the ups and downs of the NBA. I think he helped pave the way for the NIL Path when he went overseas. He tells me just to block out the noise and run your own race. I know who I am, and I know what I bring to the table on and off the court. As a family we say basketball we what we do, it’s not who we are! But be the best at what you do.”
You’ve been apart of some big time programs during your development like DME Academy, NightRydas and LivOn on the EYBL Circuit, you’ve played in all the big events against the top competition, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a player from being in these situations?
A: All of those stops I’ve learned something. I go into them just wanting to win and play Team Basketball, be a good teammate, and play hard all the time. Whatever I have to do to win I can do. I’ve had different roles on all those teams. Just embrace the moment and be the best in your role. Big or small. Main objective is to win!
You’re back home in Dallas, playing for Rockwall-Heath, the high school you originally started at, you had the option to return to DME, or join another powerhouse program, what were the biggest motivations for this decision to come home?
The Decision to come home was to work on me. I’m not chasing a Prep National Championship, but I am chasing greatness. I’ve played against the best in high school all my life. I’m coming home to win a state championship, and to get ready to contribute to the University of Kentucky in winning a national championship. I want to make an immediate impact as a Freshman. Also my friends and family get to see me play 1 more year at home!
Ryan Hampton speaks on his future with Kentucky
You had a great AAU Season and showed off plenty of the elite 3-level scoring talent, but what parts of your game are you working on the most throughout this season before you get on campus at Kentucky next year?
I really want to be a great 2-way player. So I’m gonna make it a point to affect the game on the defensive end. Also my ball handling and making the right reads when I’m the primary ball handler. But I’m nowhere near a finished player. I’m gonna get better at all parts of my game, I wanna be ready for Kentucky!
Forr the casual Kentucky fan who doesn’t know much about your game, what would you tell them to expect from you once you’re on the court in Blue and White?
The Kentucky fans are getting a guy who every night is gonna give you his all! Anything I’m asked to do to win ima do! Kentucky has a tradition and a standard and I plan on living up to that and more. Also I wanna embrace the fanbase! I’ve wished for this journey all my life and I know this is the next step in reaching my dreams And goals!
What’re your thoughts on this years Kentucky team and their potential?
They got a squad! I can’t wait until the season. If they stay healthy the sky is the limit! They actually can go 10 deep! The backcourt is scary, I’m looking for Zoom and Alex to have a big year! Also happy for Coach Pope to get the team he wants!
You’ve mentioned being an “extra recruiter” for Kentucky and trying to get some other guys on board, that still something you’re doing? Any specific names your poking at more than others?
I’m always on a guy to join me! We have a great 2027 class! I know these guys see what Kentucky is doing! They have their eyes on UK! I’m gonna get one to join! Just watch!
Do you have any specific personal/team goals you’re aiming to achieve in your senior season?
Team goals are always first. If we achieve our team goals I see me reaching my personal goals! I wanna win State! PERIOD! Bring my city a championship. I wanna be a McDonalds All American and Texas Gatorade Player of the Year like my brother was! Winning can cure all of that! I’m ready for a big senior season, team wise, and myself as well!
Big Blue Nation cannot wait for Basketball season to begin in the coming months, but they have much to look forward to in the years ahead due to the likes of Ryan Hampton.
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