Lyla Lindsey
In 2019, LaMelo Ball announced that he would be playing in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL). Ball, who had been a highly-rated high school prospect, chose to forgo college basketball amid eligibility concerns and instead signed a two-year contract with the Hawks, with NBA opt-out clauses. He explained that he believed Australia presented him with the best path to becoming the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
| Month | June |
| Date | 17 |
| Team | Illawarra Hawks |
| League | National Basketball League (NBL) |
| Country | Australia |
| Reason | To be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft |
| Previous options | G League, prep school, China |
| Previous school | SPIRE Academy, Geneva, Ohio |
| Previous league | Junior Basketball Association (JBA) |
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What You'll Learn
LaMelo Ball announced he would play in Australia in 2019
On 17 June 2019, LaMelo Ball announced that he would play in Australia for the 2019–20 season. He made the announcement on ESPN's The Jump, revealing that he would be playing for the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL).
Ball's decision to play in Australia came after he chose to forgo college basketball due to eligibility concerns. He had previously played in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league created by his father, and had returned to high school as a senior with SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, where he was a five-star recruit. However, questions surrounding his eligibility discouraged major NCAA Division I programs from recruiting him.
By going to Australia, Ball joined the NBL's "Next Stars" program, which aims to develop NBA draft prospects. As part of the program, Ball was expected to receive a six-figure contract for the season, along with perks such as an apartment, car, air travel, and training. He became the second high school prospect in 2019 to choose to play in Australia's NBL, following in the footsteps of R.J. Hampton, who signed with the New Zealand Breakers.
Ball explained that he chose Australia because it presented him with the best path to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. He believed that his previous experience playing overseas professionally at just 16 years old would help him adjust to the Australian league.
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He joined the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL)
LaMelo Ball, a highly-rated basketball prospect, joined the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia in 2019. Ball's decision to play in Australia was influenced by his father, LaVar Ball, who stated that LaMelo was choosing between Australia and China for his next career move. LaVar's off-court actions, including his own sneaker company and reality TV show, had already built a global following for LaMelo, which included 4.5 million Instagram followers.
Ball's decision to join the NBL was a significant boost for the league's profile, with NBL CEO Jeremy Loeliger commenting that LaMelo was "one of the most exciting and talked about young players in the basketball world." The league's Next Stars program, which offered $100,000 contracts along with perks like an apartment and a car, was a key factor in attracting LaMelo to the NBL.
By joining the Illawarra Hawks, LaMelo followed in the footsteps of other promising young players who had used the NBL as a stepping stone to success in the NBA. Illawarra's head coach, Matt Flinn, highlighted the team's history of developing young talent, and LaMelo's former coach at SPIRE Institute, Jermaine Jackson, joined him in Australia as his manager.
LaMelo's time in the NBL was part of a plan to enhance his prospects for the 2020 NBA draft. He explained that Australia presented him with the best path to becoming the No. 1 overall pick, and his talent and potential were on full display during his time with the Illawarra Hawks.
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He chose Australia over China
In 2019, LaMelo Ball announced that he would be taking his talents to Australia to play in the National Basketball League (NBL). This decision came after much speculation about his future in basketball, with many wondering if he would pursue the traditional route of playing in college. LaMelo's father, LaVar Ball, had initially stated that his son would "definitely" be playing overseas, with China and Australia being the two options.
So, why did LaMelo ultimately choose Australia over China? There could be several reasons. One key factor may have been the opportunity to be part of the NBL's "Next Stars" program, which offers lucrative incentives to top prospects. As part of the program, LaMelo would receive a six-figure contract, an apartment, a car, air travel, and training. This was a very attractive package that China may not have been able to match.
Additionally, LaMelo had expressed his ambition to be the number one pick in the NBA draft. He believed that playing in Australia would provide him with the best path to achieving this goal. The NBL has a strong track record of developing young players who go on to have successful careers in the NBA. By joining a smaller-market team in Australia, LaMelo would also gain significant exposure, which could enhance his prospects for the NBA draft.
Another factor could be the cultural and basketball adjustment. LaMelo had previously played professionally in Lithuania when he was just 16 years old. This experience may have helped him develop the skills needed to navigate a new country and basketball culture. Given his previous experience in Europe, choosing Australia could have been seen as a more familiar option compared to China.
Lastly, LaMelo's decision may have been influenced by his former SPIRE Institute coach, Jermaine Jackson, who became his manager. Jackson had previously worked in Australia and could have provided valuable insights into the NBL and the Australian basketball scene, making the move seem like a more comfortable and well-supported choice.
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He received a six-figure contract, an apartment, car, air travel, and training
In 2019, LaMelo Ball announced that he would be playing in Australia as part of the "Next Stars" program of the National Basketball League (NBL). Ball received a six-figure contract for the one season, along with an apartment, a car, air travel, and training.
The NBL's "Next Stars" program offers $100,000 contracts, along with accommodation, transportation, and travel expenses, to "Next Star" prospects. Ball was one of the most talked-about young players in the basketball world at the time, and his signing was a significant boost for the NBL from a marketing standpoint.
Ball's decision to play in Australia was influenced by the opportunity to develop his skills and gain experience in a professional league. He explained that Australia presented him with the best path to becoming the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. By playing in the NBL, Ball would have the chance to showcase his talent and potential to a wider audience, which could enhance his prospects for a future career in the NBA.
Ball's contract with the NBL included a two-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks, a team based in Wollongong. The Illawarra Hawks have a reputation for developing young players and helping them advance to the NBA. Ball's former coach at SPIRE Institute, Jermaine Jackson, accompanied him to Australia and served as his manager, aiding in his adjustment to the new environment.
Ball's time in Australia was intended to be a stepping stone in his basketball career. He planned to play one year in the NBL before pursuing opportunities in the NBA. By choosing to play in a professional league overseas, Ball gained valuable experience and exposure, positioning himself well for future success in the highly competitive world of basketball.
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He aimed to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft
In 2019, LaMelo Ball announced that he would be playing in Australia, joining the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL). This decision was made with the aim of becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
Ball, a highly-rated high school prospect, chose to forgo college basketball due to eligibility concerns. Instead, he opted to play professionally in Australia, seeing it as the best path to achieve his goal of being the top pick in the NBA draft.
Ball's father, LaVar Ball, had hinted that his son would be choosing between Australia and China for his next move. LaMelo's decision to join the NBL was influenced by the league's "Next Stars" program, which offered him a six-figure contract, as well as perks such as an apartment, car, air travel, and training.
By joining the Illawarra Hawks, Ball followed in the footsteps of other young players who had used the NBL as a stepping stone to the NBA. Illawarra's head coach, Matt Flinn, praised the signing of LaMelo, highlighting the team's history of developing talented players.
LaMelo's move to Australia was also a strategic one. Having previously played professionally in Lithuania at just 16 years old, he believed that his experience of playing overseas would help him adjust to the Australian league. Additionally, Ball's global following, including his significant Instagram presence, was seen as a marketing boon for the NBL.
LaMelo Ball's decision to play in Australia's NBL was a calculated step towards achieving his ambition of becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
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Frequently asked questions
LaMelo Ball announced on 17 June 2019 that he would be playing in Australia for the 2019 season.
LaMelo Ball played for the Illawarra Hawks, a team based in Wollongong.
LaMelo Ball chose to play in Australia as part of the "Next Stars" program, which offered him a six-figure contract, an apartment, a car, air travel, and training. He also believed that playing in Australia would help him become the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
