Illawarra Hawks’ LaMelo Ball, who is in the conversation for the first overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft, won’t play for the remainder of the Australian NBL league. According to the player’s agent, Jermaine Jackson, Ball must sit per “doctor’s policy” due to bone bruise he suffered back in December despite being healthy.

“Melo’s foot is totally healed, but the doctor’s policy is if you’re out for six weeks, you must rehab for six weeks,” Jackson told ESPN. “He’s starting court work tomorrow.”

Ball, who is the younger brother of New Orleans Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball, opted to skip college and instead played as a pro in Australia this season. His stint with Hawks’ was off to a great start, as he averaged 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game before going down with an injury.

While he won’t be able to finish the season, the majority of NBA analysts think that LaMelo Ball managed to show great things while on the court. While there were doubts about his game in the past, Ball now established himself as one of the top prospects in his class.

Many scouts view ball as the most talented player in the upcoming draft, but consider that his lack of defense might prevent him from being No.1 pick. The consensus is, however, that he’ll be among the top three players selected.

The post Potential No.1 Pick LaMelo Ball Out For the Rest of NBL Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

LaMelo Ball, the brother of Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Lonzo Ball, has decided to skip college and prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft overseas. During his appearance on ESPN’s The Jump, Ball confirmed that he will play the upcoming season in Australia and that he agreed to a deal with Illawarra Hawks.

The news was also confirmed on the Hawks’ official social media profile.

“Having him in a Hawks jersey fits with the goal of cultivating the best young talent and making them great,” – said Illawarra owner Simon Stratford in a statement Tuesday. “It’s putting the club at the top of the list for future NBA stars.”

Ball is regarded as one of the top basketball prospects in the nation coming out of high school and is projected to be a high draft pick in 2020.

He is the second top U.S. prospect to go overseas, as guard R.J. Hampton decided to forgo his college eligibility and sign with the New Zealand Breakers last month. Hampton opted for the Breakers although he had offers from several top colleges in the nation including Kansas.

When asked about his motives to skip college and go to Australia, LaMelo Ball said that this move gives him a better opportunity to get prepared for the NBA.

“The NBL is a really solid league, with great coaches and players, and I am looking forward to putting all my focus and energy into basketball and getting to work,” – Ball added.

This won’t be the first professional basketball experience for Ball, as he played professionally with Lithuanian side Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas. He appeared in eight games during his time in Lithuania and averaged 6.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

The post LaMelo Ball Skips College, Will Play in Australia Prior to 2020 NBA Draft appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Illawarra Hawks’ LaMelo Ball, who is in the conversation for the first overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft, won’t play for the remainder of the Australian NBL league. According to the player’s agent, Jermaine Jackson, Ball must sit per “doctor’s policy” due to bone bruise he suffered back in December despite being healthy.

“Melo’s foot is totally healed, but the doctor’s policy is if you’re out for six weeks, you must rehab for six weeks,” Jackson told ESPN. “He’s starting court work tomorrow.”

Ball, who is the younger brother of New Orleans Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball, opted to skip college and instead played as a pro in Australia this season. His stint with Hawks’ was off to a great start, as he averaged 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game before going down with an injury.

While he won’t be able to finish the season, the majority of NBA analysts think that LaMelo Ball managed to show great things while on the court. While there were doubts about his game in the past, Ball now established himself as one of the top prospects in his class.

Many scouts view ball as the most talented player in the upcoming draft, but consider that his lack of defense might prevent him from being No.1 pick. The consensus is, however, that he’ll be among the top three players selected.

The post Potential No.1 Pick LaMelo Ball Out For the Rest of NBL Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

LaMelo Ball, the brother of Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Lonzo Ball, has decided to skip college and prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft overseas. During his appearance on ESPN’s The Jump, Ball confirmed that he will play the upcoming season in Australia and that he agreed to a deal with Illawarra Hawks.

The news was also confirmed on the Hawks’ official social media profile.

“Having him in a Hawks jersey fits with the goal of cultivating the best young talent and making them great,” – said Illawarra owner Simon Stratford in a statement Tuesday. “It’s putting the club at the top of the list for future NBA stars.”

Ball is regarded as one of the top basketball prospects in the nation coming out of high school and is projected to be a high draft pick in 2020.

He is the second top U.S. prospect to go overseas, as guard R.J. Hampton decided to forgo his college eligibility and sign with the New Zealand Breakers last month. Hampton opted for the Breakers although he had offers from several top colleges in the nation including Kansas.

When asked about his motives to skip college and go to Australia, LaMelo Ball said that this move gives him a better opportunity to get prepared for the NBA.

“The NBL is a really solid league, with great coaches and players, and I am looking forward to putting all my focus and energy into basketball and getting to work,” – Ball added.

This won’t be the first professional basketball experience for Ball, as he played professionally with Lithuanian side Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas. He appeared in eight games during his time in Lithuania and averaged 6.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

The post LaMelo Ball Skips College, Will Play in Australia Prior to 2020 NBA Draft appeared first on SportzBonanza.