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'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.