Cardozo’s Hampton makes positive strides

With the instincts to stay out of trouble and hit the open three, Chris Hampton’s basketball ability is starting to get him noticed around the country even though he is only a sophomore.
However, Hampton remains focused on what is important. “I got to get into a good school,” the guard said about his ultimate goal.
The 6-foot teen recently played in the underclassmen All-Star game at the Real Scout High Major Classic, a local basketball showcase at Fordham University in front of dozens of Division I coaches.
“Basketball is everything, it’s the only thing I do,” the South Jamaica native said. “It keeps me out of trouble.”
Hampton has stayed out of trouble this summer, participating in several basketball all-star games and participating in tournaments with his AAU team, New Heights. “He’s a good kid,” New Heights Coach Kimani Young said. “We try to help kids reach their goals and dreams though basketball.”
Young, who has coached Hampton for three years, said if the athletic guard puts the time in on the practice court, his talent can help him achieve his dreams.
“I hate to put pressure like that on him, but he’s got high Division I talent.” Young said. “It all depends how hard he works.”
Even his high school coach sees big things for Hampton. “I’m not saying he’s a NBA talent,” Cardozo’s Ron Naclerio said. “But, he’s good enough to play Division I, god-willing.”
Naclerio said Hampton is a skilled player who improvises very well. He added his game is better in an up-tempo style offense giving him more opportunities to make the crowd roar.
Hoopscoop.com rates Hampton as the 38th best player in the country for his high school class. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. projects Hampton to be a solid Division I contributor
However, Hampton is far from perfect, Naclerio said. He wants to see him become more consistent - especially shooting the ball.
A hard worker, Hampton practices by himself a few times a week and plays pick-up games with his friends almost daily. His goal is to get into a college and, one day, play professionally.
Georgetown and a few other notables have sent letters to Hampton. He does not have a favorite school and said he doesn’t worry about recruiting because it is so early in the process. He still has three years of high school ball left and his coach is hoping he can become a major contributor for the upcoming season.
“He better take his game to the next level,” Naclerio said. “Otherwise we won’t be as good as we want to be next year.”