LaMelo Ball’s NBL career over as Illawarra Hawk flies back to the US
NBA draft prospect LaMelo Ball’s NBL career is over after he flew out of Australia on Wednesday morning, leaving so suddenly members of his own club, the Illawarra Hawks, didn’t even know.
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LaMelo Ball’s NBL stint is officially over with the NBA-draft bound star flying home to the USA.
Ball was set to stay in Australia until the end of the regular season in mid-February, but he has opted to leave now.
The Daily Telegraph understands Ball boarded an 11.10am flight home to the USA on Wednesday morning.
It is understood that Ball’s minder Jermaine Jackson texted Hawks coach Matt Flinn on Wednesday to say that the pair were leaving for the US.
Hawks owner Simon Stratford said some members of the club had no idea the rising guard was leaving this early.
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“I’m really disappointed that he didn’t say goodbye to his teammates and his coach,” Stratford said.
“I don’t know what that says.
“We had some indication via his minder Jermaine Jackson that he wouldn’t stay for the rest of the season.
“We anticipated that he’d leave around February 11, but we never thought he would leave before the indigenous round this weekend that is for sure.”
The NBL confirmed Ball’s departure via a statement, saying he had returned home to the US to continue his rehabilitation and preparation for the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 18-year-old had previously been ruled out for the remainder of the 2019-20 NBL season due to a foot injury. He played 12 games for the Hawks and averaged 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game.
Hawks General Manager Mat Campbell said it was in Ball’s best interests to continue his rehabilitation in the US to prepare for June’s NBA draft.
“With only four games remaining this season we understand LaMelo is keen to return home at this point in time to prepare for the most important phase of his career,” Campbell said.
“He has taken huge strides as a player this season and there is a lot of interest in him ahead of the NBA Draft in June.
“LaMelo has had a big impact on our club and the league and we thank him for everything he has done for the Hawks and the Illawarra community.
“He has a very bright future ahead of him and the Hawks are proud to have played a part in that journey. LaMelo and his team will always be a part of the Hawks family and we wish him the very best ahead of the NBA Draft.”
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger thanked Ball for his contribution to the league.
“LaMelo’s draft stocks have significantly improved during the course of his season here in the NBL.
“He has shown his undoubted talent but also developed as a player and a person by spending time in a professional, world-class league.
“Like all NBL Next Stars, we are proud to have played a part in his journey to the NBA and we look forward to maintaining a close association with him as he takes the next steps in his professional career.”
Ball had hoped to play a full season, but a bruised left foot ended these hopes.
While the scans cleared the guard of serious injury, he was told that he wouldn’t return to the court for at least another six weeks.
Ball’s minder and manager Jermaine Jackson confirmed that the guard won’t play again this season, saying: “He is done”.
Jackson said the projected top-3 draft pick will now begin six weeks of rehabilitation before returning.
The Hawks also released a statement at the time confirming that Ball was finished for the season.
“Doctors have advised that LaMelo Ball’s left foot bone bruising has now fully resolved. The 18-year-old point guard will now continue his rehabilitation to include court-based activity under the care of the Hawks medical team,” the statement read.
“He is not expected to return to play before the end of the 2019/20 NBL season.”
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The last-placed Hawks play their final game against the Sydney Kings on February 14, meaning Ball would have raced the clock to play again this season.
It is a bitter blow for Illawarra, but it could help Ball fully recover heading into NBA draft workouts.
The younger brother of New Orleans NBA star, Lonzo, is aiming to go No.1 in the 2020 draft this June.
Ball is currently ranked at No.3 in mock drafts, with analysts confident that he will finish rate highly.
“LeMelo is still out with a foot injury but he has likely solidified a high lottery selection,” one reporter said.
“His defence remains a question mark, but his offence play-making is special.”
Ball also helped to place the NBL on the global map, with record audiences online tuning in to watch his games.