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RJ Felton, a standout player from East Carolina University, is setting his sights on the NBA Draft after an exceptional collegiate career. With averages of 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Felton caught the attention of NBA scouts during a recent performance at the Portsmouth Invitational. As he looks to become the first player from Aiken to make it to the NBA, Felton’s journey reflects his dedication to the sport and the impact of his father’s early guidance.

Aiken, South Carolina – RJ Felton, a standout basketball player from East Carolina University, is making headlines as he sets his sights on the NBA Draft following an impressive collegiate career. Felton, who averaged 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game during his final season with the Pirates, has recently garnered attention from multiple NBA teams after a strong performance at the Portsmouth Invitational.

Felton received a last-minute invite to the Portsmouth Invitational, the first significant pre-draft camp for NBA prospects. His agent successfully made calls to secure the invite, allowing Felton to showcase his skills on a larger stage. During the camp, he scored 25 points in one game, impressing scouts and attracting interest from several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Miami Heat.

Should he be drafted, Felton would make history as the first player from Aiken to achieve this milestone. Throughout his tenure at East Carolina, he has solidified his legacy, finishing his career with a total of 1,774 points. This remarkable total ranks him third in the Pirates’ program history and second among Division I players. Felton’s scoring average of 18.8 points per game places him eighth all-time in East Carolina’s history, and he amassed 620 points in his final season alone, marking the fourth-most in a single campaign for the program.

Felton’s journey to this point began early, as he was introduced to the game of basketball by his father, Russell Felton, an area basketball coach who recognized his son’s talent at the age of three. This early exposure inspired RJ to set ambitious goals, including making all-conference and all-state teams, playing in the prestigious Nike circuit, and eventually pursuing a career in professional basketball. His determination was evident during his high school career, where he gained recognition as a three-time Aiken Standard Player of the Year and earned All-State honors.

Felton initially attended North Augusta High School before transferring to Aiken High School, where he became a prominent figure in the local basketball scene. His performance caught the eyes of collegiate scouts, leading to him being recognized as a three-star recruit by 247sports. Throughout his three years at East Carolina, Felton consistently improved his game, becoming the team’s leading scorer and rebounder.

The impact of COVID-19 on the sports world affected Felton’s ambitions; the cancellation of the prestigious Peach Jam tournament prevented him from showcasing his talent further on a national platform. Nevertheless, his hard work has paid off, as he has now established himself as a notable presence in collegiate basketball, being a member of East Carolina’s 1,000-point club with over 1,700 points scored throughout his college career.

As he transitions to the next level, Felton’s roots in the basketball community remain strong. His father’s influence has played a significant role in maintaining his connection to Aiken while evaluating offers from prep academies. Furthermore, Felton’s future is bolstered by a six-figure NIL deal valued at over $100,000, which facilitated his decision to stay at East Carolina during his time as a collegiate player.

Felton’s journey is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for basketball. He aims to continue proving himself as he aspires to transition from college star to professional athlete, eager to leave a lasting legacy both locally in Aiken and nationally in the NBA.

RJ Felton Aims for NBA Draft After Impressive College Career

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Author: hereaiken