LaMelo Ball mulls NBL investment; South Sydney teen’s potential NBA future
He’s the 17-year-old South Sydney NRL signing being hunted by the Wallabies and also excelling at AFL and athletics, but could Joseph Suaalii’s future be in basketball? Welcome to the LOGUE DOWN.
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He is the reigning Harold Matthews Player of the Year at South Sydney who also excels at rugby union, AFL and athletics, but could Joseph Suaalii’s future be in basketball?
That is the question that Suaalii must weigh up after receiving interest from US college teams and local officials.
The 17-year-old is currently signed with the Rabbitohs until the end of the 2021 season, but he is equally talented at hoops.
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Suaalii, who attends King’s School in north Parramatta, is said to be quite handy on the basketball court given his height and athleticism.
For now the gifted teen is focused on stepping up to the SG Ball ranks with Souths after starring on the 16s stage last season with 15 tries and an astonishing 84 tackle-breaks in just nine games.
Suaalii is also a capable rugby player who is currently being courted by new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
Rugby Australia views him as a potential recruit for the next Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Basketball has lost plenty of talent over the years, especially to AFL, but could Suaalii be one rising talent who opts to do the reverse and join hoops?
AUSSIE HAS CELTICS FIRING
The Boston Celtics look fit as they sit pretty in third position in the Eastern Conference – and they have an Aussie to thank.
Respected performance co-ordinator Phil Coles is working with the 17-time NBA champions as their Executive Director of Performance.
Coles has an impressive resume, including stints with Harry Kewell at Liverpool and Football Australia, Wayne Bennett at the Newcastle Knights and most recently the San Antonio Spurs under five-time NBA championship-winning coach Gregg Popovich.
Coles and his young family are enjoying their time in Boston despite the cold.
WIZARDS WATCHING KINGS
A scout from the Washington Wizards is sniffing around Sydney Kings stars Jae’Sean Tate and Didi Louzada.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal a representative from the Wizards has reached out to discuss how Tate and Louzada have fared at the Kings this season.
The scout was incredibly detailed in his approach, wanting to know everything about the players’ games and personalities, on-and-off the court.
He was particularly interested in Tate following his standout season with the Kings.
The Ohio-born small forward, who went undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, has been a beast at both ends of the floor to help Sydney lead the league as championship favourites.
Tate is fittingly on track for NBL first five selection but he was an unknown commodity at the start of the season.
Even officials at the Kings weren’t sure if had the ability to play as a forward in the NBL given he is a small forward.
But through his dogged determination and infectious work ethic, Tate has starred to surprise everyone – including the legendary Luc Longley.
The Australian basketball great, who won three NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan at the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s, had initial question marks about Tate.
These queries were quickly dismissed when Jae’Sean produced a tough screen that knocked his opponent to the ground.
Let’s just say it was a moment that has stuck with Longley for the entire season.
COULD BALL BUY IN?
LaMelo Ball’s NBL career with the Illawarra Hawks is over as he focuses on June’s NBA draft, but could he lob up in an ownership role at the troubled franchise down the track?
That is the word getting around hoops circles following his injury-plagued yet successful stint Down Under.
Ball has indicated a desire to follow in the footsteps of current and former NBA stars like Zach Randolph, Al Harrington, Dante Exum and Andrew Bogut and take on a slice of an NBL franchise.
It could be perfect for the battling Hawks, who are facing financial troubles following allegations of current owner Simon Stratford being handed a show-cause notice by the league.
Also, on that front, watch for the NBL to put out a statement about the financial future of the Illawarra Hawks.
NEXT STARS’ STERN TEST
NBL clubs like Melbourne United and Perth are hoping that NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger can discover multiple Next Stars players so they can also benefit from the program next season.
Illawarra, South East Melbourne and New Zealand have all seen positives through having rising stars like LaMelo Ball, Terry Armstrong and RJ Hampton on their books.
But for the concept’s long-term sustainability, it is paramount that the league can find quality players and good fits for team chemistry.
Ball’s Illawarra stint was marred by his foot injury and suggestions that he wasn’t a good fit for a predominantly young team given the hype surrounding him as he chased his NBA draft dreams.
There isn’t a perfect solution when placing potential NBA stars in Australian teams, but perhaps it can be looked it to ensure that the Next Stars concept has a long-term and sustainable future.
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NBA PRE-SEASON LOVE
NBL owner Larry Kestelman is working hard to ensure that the annual NBA versus NBL pre-season games becomes a traditional event on the basketball calendar.
The concept is heading into its fourth year in 2020, with the NBL yet to lock in teams to take on some of America’s biggest franchises.
Kestelman loves the NBL versus NBA games because it has helped the Australian league build a respected relationship with the world’s best basketball competition.
“We think that the NBL and NBA is becoming a bit of a tradition,” Kestelman said.
“We feel very confident that it is a worthwhile experience for our clubs and for the league to keep improving.
“The players and the coaches also get a great experience to keep getting better, so we are committed to trying to make the concept work on an annual basis.
“We are confident that we will have teams travel over to the US prior to next season as well.”
HAMPTON’S KOBE TAT
New Zealand Breakers Next Stars guard RJ Hampton respects Kobe Bryant so much that he went out and got a tattoo of the Lakers legend and his daughter Gianna following the pair’s tragic death last week.
Hampton, who has returned to America to prepare for June’s NBA draft after his Breakers’ stint, proudly took to twitter to show off his new ink.
Just so wherever I go, they’ll know... pic.twitter.com/yPbGzkes51
— 14 (@RjHampton14) February 1, 2020
INGLES’ CRACK
Joe Ingles was at his cheeky best this week when respected US media outlet, the Bleacher Report, named the 2020 NBA three-point contestants and didn’t mention him.
Ingles’ snubbing prompted Australian legend and fellow three-point specialist Shane Heal to tweet a response.
“Doesn’t Joe Ingles want to compete in this? He has proven year after year that he is one of the most elite three-point shooters in the NBA.”
Ingles jokingly replied …
I’ve never been asked! @ZachLowe_NBA has a bunch of others guys he would rather promote 😂😂😎😎 https://t.co/AcgVcCgp3W
— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) February 5, 2020