LaMelo Ball, a unique pathway to the NBA (VIDEO)
In 2016, LaMelo Ball drained a half-court shot only 3 seconds after the tip-off. The video became viral with more than 15 millions views. That’s where all the hype started.
LaMelo is the younger brother of 3. Lonzo, plays for the Pelicans in the NBA while his other brother, LiAngelo, is trying to make it to the NBA.
In February 2017, with Chino Hills High School, Ball scored 92 points. He made 37 of 61 shots from the floor, including 7 of 22 from behind the three-point line. He also had seven assists and five rebounds.
Later this year he played with his team against Zion Williamson’s team the biggest AAU game ever. The game was almost cancelled due to the size of the crowd ! He scored 31 points while Zion had 28.
Before his junior season, Lamelo Ball left Chino Hills to be homeschooled because his father, Lavar Ball, wasn’t happy with the new coach of the team. Weeks later LaMelo Ball signed with Vytautas Prienai in Lithuania. He was the youngest American player ever to be a pro.
In April 2018, Ball left Lithuania to return to his homecountry and play with Prep school SPIRE Academy. After finishing his high school at SPIRE, he decided to sign in Australia, with the Illawara Hawks in the NBL.
In Australia, he showed his skills, recording for example 2 triple-doubles in a row. The first ever player to do it in the NBL.
In January 2020, after an injury, LaMelo decided to part ways with the Hawks and return back to the United States to prepare for the draft.
Beeing only considered as a second round pick in 2019, Ball is now considered as a TOP 3 pick by some experts, for others he will be the number one overall pick and the most talented prospect in this year’s draft.
Thank’s to his basketball IQ, his physical tools (he’s a a 6-foot-7 guard) and his passing ability, Ball will certainly be a solid NBA player if he can find a spot in a good environment. He will definitely need to improve his defense, work on his shooting and don’t let off-the-court stuff impact his game to have a successful career. But in a draft with no real superstars, he should be in the Top 3 of the 2020 NBA draft.