‘It was definitely cool’: LaMelo Ball happy to face R.J. Hampton in NBA

When LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton chose to play the 2019-20 season abroad in the National Basketball League, the two players were viewed as trailblazers for the next generation of prospects. They set records when they faced each other and now can say they have squared off in the NBA.

Of course, Ball was named the NBL Rookie of the Year after a dazzling campaign with the Illawarra Hawks. Hampton offered flashes of his potential with the NZ Breakers, and showed off his skill set in a limited sample against tough competition.

On Friday, the two played each other for the first time in the NBA.

Ball led his Charlotte Hornets to the 122-112 win over the Orlando Magic after tallying 27 points, six rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes of work. On the other side, Hampton had 16 points, five rebounds and three assists for his fifth straight game in double figures.

The opportunity to play Hampton was something Ball enjoyed.

“It was definitely cool just knowing the paths we took,” Ball said. “This was the dream we were looking forward to – playing on an NBA court. We got to do that today. It’s a blessing.”

In the NBL, Hampton and the Breakers went 2-0 against Ball and the Hawks in their two matchups, but Ball and the Hornets emerged victorious in their first NBA contest.

It’s safe to say Hampton and the Magic will definitely be looking forward to the next matchup next season.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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