When RJ Hampton announced his intention to reclassify to the Class of 2019, the assumption was that the 5-star guard would impact somebody's class in a major way and play for a legitimate Final Four contender. Initially, recruiting analysts largely believed that program would be Memphis. But after Penny Hardaway secured a commitment from 4-star guard Boogie Ellis, most projections focused on Kansas.

Turns out, it's New Zealand.

And that's because Hampton announced early Tuesday that he's agreed to a contract with the New Zealand Breakers of Australia's National Basketball League. The 6-foot-5 playmaker is choosing this option over playing college basketball basically anywhere he wanted.

"This is about focusing 100 percent on basketball," Hampton said. "I think the best route for me is to live like a pro and play with grown men everyday — and not have to juggle books and basketball."

Hampton's decision to bypass college is a big blow to Kansas — which projected as a top-five team with him on the roster. Without him, I've dropped the Jayhawks to 12th in the 2019-20 CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 preseason college basketball rankings. And they'll drop even more — thanks in part to a recruiting class that doesn't feature a single top-50 prospect — if Devon Dotson doesn't withdraw from the NBA Draft later this week. So stay tuned.

Top 25 And 1 

1
Coach: Tom Izzo

2018-19 record: 32-7
 
Notable players gone: Nick Ward, Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins
  
Notable players returning: Cassius Winston, Joshua Langford, Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry, Kyle Ahrens, Gabe Brown, Foster Loyer, Thomas Kithier, Marcus Bingham
 
Expected additions: Malik Hall, Rocket Watts, Julius Marble 
 
2
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

2018-19 record: 32-6
 
Notable players gone: Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish, Marques Bolden            
 
Notable players returning: Tre Jones, Alex O'Connell, Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Jordan Goldwire, Joey Baker
 
Expected additions: Vernon Carey, Wendell Moore, Matthew Hurt, Cassius Stanley
 
3
Coach: John Calipari

2018-19 record: 30-7
 
Notable players gone: Reid Travis, PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Jemarl Baker
                                       
Notable players returning: Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, Nick Richards, EJ Montgomery
 
Expected additions: Nate Sestina, Kahlil Whitney, Tyrese Maxey, Johnny Juzang, Keion Brooks, Dontaie Allen, Brennan Canada
 
4
Coach: Chris Mack

2018-19 record: 20-14
 
Notable players gone: Christen Cunningham, Khwan Fore, V.J. King
                                        
Notable players returning: Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton, Steven Enoch, Malik Williams, Ryan McMahon, Darius Perry 
 
Expected additions: Lamarr Kimble, Samuell Williamson, Aidan Igheion, David Johnson, Josh Nickelberry, Jaelyn Withers, Quinn Slazinski
 
5
Coach: Penny Hardaway

2018-19 record: 22-14
 
Notable players gone: Jeremiah Martin, Kyvon Davenport, Kareem Brewton, Raynere Thornton, Mike Parks, Antwann Jones, Victor Enoh, David Wingett
                        
Notable players returning Tyler Harris, Isaiah Maurice, Alex Lomax 
 
Expected additions: James Wiseman, Precious Achiuwa, Boogie Ellis, D.J. Jeffries, Lester Quinones, Malcolm Dandridge, Damion Baugh, Lance Thomas, Ryan Boyce 
6
Coach: Mark Turgeon

2018-19 record: 23-11
 
Notable players gone: Bruno Fernando, Ivan Bender         
 
Notable players returning: Anthony Cowan, Jalen Smith, Darryl Morsell, Aaron Wiggins, Serrel Smith, Eric Ayala, Ricky Lindo
 
Expected additions: Makhi Mitchel, Makhel Mitchell, Donta Scott, Chol Marial, Hakim Hart
 
7
Coach: Roy Williams

2018-19 record: 29-7
 
Notable players gone: Coby White, Cameron Johnson, Luke Maye, Kenny Williams, Nassir Little, Seventh Woods
 
Notable players returning: Garrison Brooks, Sterling Manley, Brandon Robinson, Leaky Black 
 
Expected additions: Cole Anthony, Armando Bacot, Anthony Harris, Jeremiah Francis, Christian Keeling, Justin Pierce
 
8
Coach: Tony Bennett

2018-19 record: 35-3
 
Notable players gone: De'Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, Jack Salt, Marco Anthony
 
Notable players returning: Mamadi Diakite, Braxton Key, Jay Huff, Kihei Clark
 
Expected additions: Kadin Shedrick, Casey Morsell, Justin McKoy, Tomas Woldetensae
 
9

Coach: Mark Few

2018-19 record: 33-4
 
Notable players gone: Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, Zach Norvell, Josh Perkins, Geno Crandall, Jeremy Jones
 
Notable players returning: Corey Kispert, Killian Tillie, Filip Petrusev, Joel Ayayi
 
Expected additions: Admon Gilder, Drew Timme, Anton Watson, Pavel Zakharov, Oumar Ballo, Martynas Arlauskas, Brock Ravet
 
10
Coach: Kevin Willard

2018-19 record: 20-14
 
Notable players gone: Michael Nzei
 
Notable players returning: Myles Powell, Myles Cale, Quincy McKnight, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Taurean Thompson, Jared Rhoden, Anthony Nelson, Romaro Gill, Shavar Reynolds, Darnell Brodie 
 
Expected additions: Ike Obiagu, Tyrese Samuel, Dashawn Davis
11
Coach: Jay Wright

2018-19 record: 26-10
 
Notable players gone: Phil Booth, Eric Paschall, Joe Cremo, Jahvon Quinerly
 
Notable players returning: Collin Gillispie, Saddiq Bey, Jermaine Samuels, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Cole Swider, Brandon Slater, Tim Delaney
 
Expected additions: Bryan Antoine, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Justin Moore, Eric Dixon
 
12

Coach: Bill Self

2018-19 record: 26-10
 
Notable players gone: Dedric Lawson, Lagerald Vick, KJ Lawson, Charlie Moore, Quentin Grimes
 
Notable players returning: Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson, Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, Silvio De Sousa, David McCormack, Mitch Lightfoot
 
Expected additions: Isaac McBride, Christian Braun, Tristan Enaruna
 
13
Coach: Chris Beard

2018-19 record: 31-7
 
Notable players gone: Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens, Brandone Francis, Norense Odiase, Khavon Moore
 
Notable players returning: Davide Moretti, Kyler Edwards, Deshawn Corprew, Andrei Savrasov
 
Expected additions: Chris Clarke, T.J. Holyfield, Jahmius Ramsey, Kevin McCullar, Russel Tchewa, Terrence Shannon, Clarence Nadolny, Tyreek Smith 
14
Coach: Sean Miller

2018-19 record: 17-15
 
Notable players gone: Brandon Randolph, Justin Coleman, Ryan Luther, Devonaire Doutrive
 
Notable players returning: Brandon Randolph, Brandon Williams, Chase Jeter, Dylan Smith, Ira Lee, Alex Barcello
 
Expected additions: Max Hazzard, Nico Mannion, Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji, Terry Armstrong, Christian Koloko, Stone Gettings 
 
15
Coach: Bruce Pearl

2018-19 record: 30-10
 
Notable players gone: Bryce Brown, Jared Harper, Malik Dunbar, Horace Spencer, Chuma Okeke,  
 
Notable players returning: Samir Doughty, Austin Wiley, Anfernee McLemore, J'Von McCormick, Danjel Purifoy  
 
Expected additions: Isaac Okoro, Tyrell Jones, Jaylin Williams, Babatunde Akingbola, Allen Flanigan, Jamal Johnson
 
16

Coach: Fran McCaffery

2018-19 record: 23-12
 
Notable players gone: Tyler Cook, Nicolas Baer, Isaiah Moss, Maishe Dailey
 
Notable players returning: Jordan Bohannon, Luka Garza, Ryan Kriener, Connor McCaffery, Joe Wieskamp, Jack Nunge, Cordell Pemsl
 
Expected additions: Patrick McCaffery, Joe Toussaint
 
17
Coach: Kelvin Sampson

2018-19 record: 33-4
 
Notable players gone: Corey Davis, Armoni Brooks, Breaon Brady, Galen Robinson
 
Notable players returning: Dejon Jarreau, Cedrick Alley, Brison Gresham, Fabian White, Chris Harris, Nate Hinton
 
Expected additions: Caleb Mills, Justin Gorham
 
18
Coach: Matt Painter

2018-19 record: 25-8
 
Notable players gone: Carsen Edwards, Ryan Cline, Grady Eifert
 
Notable players returning: Nojel Eastern, Eric Hunter Jr., Aaron Wheeler, Matt Haarms, Trevion Williams, Evan Boudreaux, Sasha Stefanovic
 
Expected additions: Brandon Newman, Isaiah Thompson, Mason Gillis, Jahaad Proctor
 
19
Coach: Mike Rhoades

2018-19 record: 25-8
 
Notable players gone: Michael Gilmore, Sean Mobley
 
Notable players returning: Marcus Evans, Isaac Vann, Deriante Jenkins, Marcus Santos-Silva, Vince Williams, Mike'L Simms, P.J. Byrd, Malik Crowfield
 
Expected additions: Jarren McAlister, Tre Clarke
 
20
Coach: Rick Barnes

2018-19 record: 31-6
 
Notable players gone: Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, Jordan Bone, Kyle Alexander, Derrick Walker 
 
Notable players returning: Lamonte Turner, Jordan Bowden, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons, Jalen Johnson
 
Expected additions: Josiah-Jordan James, Drew Pember, Davonte Gaines
 
21
Coach: Scott Drew

2018-19 record: 20-14
 
Notable players gone: Makai Mason, King McClure              
 
Notable players returning: Devonte Bandoo, Jared Butler, Tristan Clark, Freddie Gillespie, Mario Kegler, Matthew Mayer, Flo Thamba, Mark Vital
 
Expected additions: Davion Mitchell, Macio Teague, Jordan Turner
22
Coach: Greg McDermott

2018-19 record: 20-15
 
Notable players gone: Kaleb Joseph, Martin Krampelj, Connor Cashaw, Samson Froling
 
Notable players returning: Ty-Shon Alexander, Mitch Ballock, Marcus Zegarowski, Davion Mintz, Damien Jefferson, Christian Bishop
 
Expected additions: Shareef Mitchell, Jalen Windham
23
Coach: Chris Holtmann
 
2018-19 record: 20-15
 
Notable players gone: CJ Jackson, Keyshawn Woods
 
Notable players returning: Kaleb Wesson, Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Duane Washington, Kyle Young, Justin Aherns, Musa Jallow, Jaedon LeDee
 
Expected additions: DJ Carton, Alonzo Gaffney, EJ Liddel, Ibrahima Diallo, CJ Walker 
24
Coach:  Bob McKillop
 
2018-19 record:  24-10
 
Notable players gone: Nathan Ekwu, Dusan Kovacevic
 
Notable players returning: Kellan Grady, Jon Axel Gudmundson, Luka Brajkovic, Luke Frampton, Kishawn Pritchett, Carter Collins, David Czerapowics, Bates Jones
 
Expected additions:  N/A
25

2018-19 record: 28-7

Notable players gone: Quinn Taylor, Dwayne Brown

Notable players returning: Sam Merrill, Neemias Queta, Diogo Brito, Brock Miller, Abel Porter, Justin Bean

Expected additions: Alphonso Anderson, Liam McChesney, Sean Bairstow, Cade Potter, Jakub Karwowski

26

Coach: Randy Bennett

2018-19 record: 22-12

Notable players gone: Jordan Hunter

Notable players returning: Jordan Ford, Malik Fitts, Tanner Krebs, Tommy Kuhse, Elijah Thomas, Matthias Tass, Dan Fotu, Jock Perry

Expected additions: Alex Ducas, Kyle Bowen

Top 25 And 1 analysis

Biggest Movers
1 Memphis
7 Kansas
Rk
Teams
 
Chg
Rcrd
1 Michigan St. Cassius Winston's decision to return to Michigan State for his senior season was enough to keep Tom Izzo's team No. 1 in the Top 25 And 1. The Spartans are returning three of the top four scorers from a 32-win team that won the Big Ten regular-season title and Big Ten Tournament title before advancing to the Final Four. -- 8-2
2 Duke The Blue Devils are enrolling a top-five recruiting class for the sixth consecutive season - one that's highlighted by 5-star prospects Vernon Carey and Matthew Hurt. The return of Tre Jones will give Mike Krzyzewski the type of experience in the backcourt most great teams possess. -- 8-2
3 Kentucky The return of Ashtan Hagans for his sophomore year is massive for Kentucky. He'll combine with one of the nation's top recruiting classes to create what should be the SEC's best team. -- 8-1
4 Louisville Jordan Nwora has declared for the NBA Draft but left open the option of returning to Louisville. If he does, he'll be the leading returning scorer for a program set to enroll a top-10 recruiting class - not to mention graduate transfer Lamarr Kimble, who averaged 15.6 points per game at Saint Joseph's this season. -- 5-4
5 Memphis Penny Hardaway has secured what is arguably the best recruiting class in school history. It's highlighted by 5-star center James Wiseman and 5-star forward Precious Achiuwa - both of whom project as top-10 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. 1 7-2
6 Maryland The early loss of Bruno Fernando should mostly be offset by the return of Jalen Smith and addition of former 5-star prospect Chol Marial. The Terrapins will be talented, experienced and a real threat to Michigan State at the top of the Big Ten. 1 8-2
7 N. Carolina The loss of Coby White after one season stings a little considering he didn't project as a one-and-done prospect coming out of high school. But the enrollment of 5-star guard Cole Anthony should fill any hole UNC might otherwise have in the backcourt. 1 5-4
8 Virginia The Cavaliers are losing the top three scorers from their national championship team, all of whom are entering the NBA Draft early. But Tony Bennett still has enough to keep Virginia nationally relevant. 1 5-4
9 Gonzaga Zach Norvell's decision to remain in the NBA Draft means Gonzaga is losing the top four scorers from last season's team. That's among the reasons why it was crucial for Mark Few to secure a top-10 recruiting class and enroll a heralded graduate transfer like Admon Gilder. 1 7-2
10 Seton Hall Kevin Willard spoke with Virginia Tech about its opening but ultimately remained at Seton Hall. He has a roster good enough to take the Pirates to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year. 1 5-5
11 Villanova In a bit of a twist, Villanova will not be the favorite to win the Big East. But the Wildcats, thanks to a top-five recruiting class, should still operate near the top of the sport. 1 6-4
12 Kansas The Jayhawks are losing three of the top six scorers from a team that only went 6-4 in its final 10 games last season. The lack of impactful recruits could prevent Kansas from being a real Final Four contender. 7 7-2
13 Texas Tech Chris Beard has once again reloaded in Lubbock via the graduate-transfer market. The Red Raiders, thanks to the late additions of Chris Clarke and T.J. Holyfield, should compete for back-to-back Big 12 titles. -- 7-2
14 Arizona Sean Miller, even with an NCAA cloud hovering over his program, has secured a top-five recruiting class that should return the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament. The addition of grad-transfer Max Hazzard was a nice late development. -- 4-4
15 Auburn Chuma Okeke's decision to remain in the 2019 NBA Draft is another early-entry blow to the Tigers. But Auburn is still returning three of the top six scorers from a team that won 30 games and advanced to the Final Four. -- 8-1
16 Iowa Tyler Cook is determined to remain in the NBA Draft, which isn't ideal for Iowa. But the Hawkeyes are still returning two of their top four scorers - most notably Luka Garza. -- 7-2
17 Houston Houston reaching a deal on a contract extension for Kelvin Sampson was a massive development for the AAC program. The Cougars will be capable of winning back-to-back league titles. -- 6-3
18 Purdue The loss of Carsen Edwards is obviously a big deal. But Matt Painter has proven capable of running a competent program even when he loses key pieces. -- 8-2
19 VCU Every relevant piece from a VCU team that won the Atlantic 10 by two games should be back. That includes four players who averaged double-digits in points this season. -- 8-2
20 Tennessee The Vols are losing the top three scorers from a 31-win team that spent part of last season ranked No. 1. That alone represents 48.8 points per game that must be replaced in some form. -- 9-0
21 Baylor The Bears are losing Makai Mason and King McClure. But they'll get Tristan Clark back and likely make the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in a seven-year span. -- 6-3
22 Creighton The Bluejays are returning all five starters from a team that closed the season by winning seven of their final nine games. That should be enough to help Creighton advance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. -- 7-3
23 Ohio St. Five of the top seven scorers from a team that spent part of last season ranked are expected back - including Kaleb Wesson, who averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 rebounds as a sophomore. Those returnees, combined with a top-15 recruiting class, should have Chris Holtmann in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight year. -- 6-3
24 Davidson The top six scorers from a Davidson team that finished 14-4 in the Atlantic 10 are expected back - including A-10 Player of the Year Jon Axel Gudmundson. As long as Kellan Grady stays healthy, the Wildcats will be good enough to advance in the NCAA Tournament. -- 7-2
25 Utah St. The top four scorers from a 28-win team are all expected back - most notably Sam Merrill, who averaged 20.9 points per game last season. Barring a surprise or injury, he'll win back-to-back Mountain West Conference Player of the Year awards. -- 9-0
26 Saint Mary's The Gaels are expected to return seven players who averaged at least 13 minutes per game last season - most notably Jordan Ford, who averaged 21.1 points while shooting 41.2 percent from 3-point range. Saint Mary's should be good enough to provide Gonzaga with a real challenge in the WCC. -- 9-1