LaMelo Ball took the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) by storm during his short 2019 season playing for the Illawarra Hawks.
Although an injury cut his year short, the young American guard displayed his immense talent and potential against professional competition.
His flashy playmaking and scoring ability generated excitement about LaMelo’s prospects as a top pick in the upcoming 2020 NBA draft.
Background – LaMelo Arrives in Australia a Highly Touted Prospect
The name LaMelo Ball has been well known in basketball circles for years thanks to the success of his older brother Lonzo Ball, the #2 pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
LaMelo gained experience playing overseas in Lithuania and also created headlines through his flashy style and famous father LaVar Ball’s outspoken personality.
The 18-year old Californian arrived in the Australian NBL already viewed as one of the top prospects in the upcoming NBA draft. Signing with the struggling Illawarra Hawks, LaMelo aimed to improve his draft stock playing against grown men in the NBL league known for its tough physical play.
NBL and Illawarra Hawks Backdrop
- The NBL based in Australia and New Zealand is increasingly seen as a viable alternative path to the NBA
- Illawarra Hawks one of smaller market teams hungry for star power like LaMelo Ball
- Opportunity for LaMelo to be focal point of the offense and shine
LaMelo’s Dominant Statistical Season
In just 12 games playing for the Hawks, LaMelo Ball averaged outstanding numbers:
| Category | Total | Per Game Average |
| Points | 168 | 17 |
| Rebounds | 92 | 7.7 |
| Assists | 103 | 8.6 |
His versatile stat lines of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability proved LaMelo could produce against professional competition despite only being 18 years old.
Notable Achievements and Season Highlights
- Youngest player in NBL history to record a triple-double – 32 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists
- Multiple 30+ point scoring outbursts
- NBL Rookie of the Year despite abbreviated season
- Several highlight reel passes and deep three pointers
Signature Style of Play
Dubbed “The LaMelo Show” in Australia, Ball dazzled fans and coaches with his flair and confidence.
Creative Passing Vision
LaMelo exhibits expert court vision and passing, whipping flashy behind-the-back and no-look dimes reminiscent of NBA legend Magic Johnson.
Limitless Shooting Range
The young guard has essentially unlimited three point shooting range, able to sink deep shots from well beyond the arc. LaMelo launches from anywhere without hesitation.
Fiery Competitor
Despite his slender frame, Ball competes fiercely, talking trash and demanding the ball in crunch time. This “Mamba Mentality” earns him respect.
Cut Short by Foot Injury
LaMelo’s lone NBL season ended prematurely due to a bruised foot suffered after a hard fall. Limiting him to just 12 total games played.
Projected Stats Over Full Season:
| Category | Total |
| Points | 565 |
| Rebounds | 318 |
| Assists | 341 |
The injury also highlighted LaMelo’s past history of durability issues, raising questions amongst NBA scouts.
What the Future Holds
Nonetheless, the flashes of creativity LaMelo displayed left NBL coaches, spectators, and NBA scouts certain he has the talent to become an All-Star point guard at basketball’s highest level for years to come.
LaMelo Ball’s Phenomenal Illawarra Season Cements Top NBA Prospect Status
In his short stint playing down under in Australia’s NBL, 18-year old American LaMelo Ball showcased the elite playmaking abilities and scoring instincts that suggest he can translate into an NBA star.
After wowing crowds with his no-look passes, deep 3 pointers, and fiery competitiveness, LaMelo appears poised to impact a franchise in the NBA for years to come.
If LaMelo Ball can maintain his health, his lone 12 game NBL season leaves little doubt he possesses the skills to shine on basketball’s global stage as an NBA first round draft pick and potential young superstar.
Hello I am Gavin Hunt,
I has covered sports for over 20 years. I started writing for his college newspaper.
I reported on college sports. After graduating, became a sports reporter for a small local paper.
For ten years, I covered local high school and amateur games.
I profiled struggling athletes, inspiring readers. Later, I moved to the main city paper as lead columnist.
Now I travels nationally covering pro hometown teams.
My entertaining columns are widely read. With a big social media following, I has become the city’s top sports pundit.
