Illawarra Hawks not buying into rumours rising star LaMelo Ball will leave NBL before season is over

Even with the Illawarra Hawks insisting LaMelo Ball is staying, Shane Heal refuses to back down from predicting the nominal 2020 No.1 NBA draft pick won’t see out the NBL season.

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Shane Heal is sticking to his guns in predicting star US import LaMelo Ball will leave Australia before the end of the year despite firm denials from both the Illawarra Hawks and the NBL.

Former Boomers superstar Heal caused a storm a storm last week when he said Ball - who is predicted to go as the No.1 pick in next year’s NBA draft - won’t be hanging around ‘to have any roast turkey in Australia for Christmas. I think he’s back home.’

The statement drew a terse reaction from both the governing body and Illawarra, with Hawks

coach Matt Flinn saying Ball’s positive attitude suggested otherwise. The 18-year-old played a starring role with a season-high 24 points in the Hawks’ important win over Cairns over the weekend.

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LaMelo Ball has made a big impression at the Hawks.

Heal though was unrelenting in the latest Basketball Show video, adding, “if you are his agent why would you have him stay here.

“The better he plays the better the odds he’s going quicker.

“And the team sucks.”

The Hawks currently prop up the NBL ladder with just two wins from nine matches.

But despite the rumours, Flinn is confident his young gun will stay put.

“As far as I’m concerned he’s contracted for the season and he’s buying in like every other player we’ve got,” he said.

“I hear speculation but we just treat it day by day.

“You saw a guy (against Cairns) that who is really invested in his team and if you go down and sit in the locker room you’ll see a kid who is really invested in his teammates.”

LaMelo has attracted plenty of attention.

Flinn believed Ball was doing everything right to ensure he is a top NBA Draft selection, pointing to an increased defensive performance.

“Everyone saw (against Cairns) we see a lot in practice,” he said.

“He’s very talented and he gets talked about in the draft circles for a reason, because he can do things and get to spaces on the floor that some others can’t.

“He’s been challenged a lot in this league with his handles, and a lot of people have tried to get after him and he keeps ticking those boxes.”