LaMelo Ball arrives in Sydney to swarm of fans and media ahead of NBL season
He might just be the NBL’s most recognisable face worldwide — and he hasn’t even played a in the league game yet. LaMelo Ball touched down in Australia to a rousing reception from hoops fans and a huge media scrum.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
American teen sensation LaMelo Ball is yet to bounce a basketball in Australia but the excitement surrounding his Illawarra Hawks signing is already at fever pitch.
This was on show in spades when Ball arrived at Sydney airport on Saturday morning to officially start his Next Stars contract with the Hawks.
The younger brother of New Orleans NBA star Lonzo Ball, was swamped by fans and a hefty media scrum when he landed.
The 17-year-old point guard from Chino Hills in California shocked the hoops world in June when he announced live on ESPN in America that he would be foregoing college to “take his talents” to Australia’s NBL.
Ball is considered one of the most intriguing NBA prospects and is projected to be selected as a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
MORE LAMELO BALL:
Australia needs to prepare itself as LaVar and LaMelo Ball head to our shores
Report: LaMelo Ball set to join NBL on ‘Rising Stars’ deal
LaVar Ball claims son LaMelo could move to NBL before NBA Draft
He joins a list of prospects opting to play in the NBL on their path to the NBA, including Terrance Ferguson (Adelaide to OKC), Brian Bowen Jr (Sydney Kings to Indiana) and more recently R.J Hampton to the New Zealand Breakers.
LaMelo is often in the headlines thanks to his outspoken father, LaVar Ball.
The ex-basketballer and professional American footballer is regularly in the media talking about his sons.
Thankfully, LaMelo doesn’t need his father’s help to get attention.
The rising baller has 4.8 million followers on Instagram.
On the morning of his official Illawarra signing in June, the Hawks’ Instagram account increased from 9,000 to more than 22,000.
Former US president Barack Obama was among the new followers keen to monitor Ball’s move to Australia.
LaMelo will start training with Illawarra next week while he is expected to partake in the Hawks’ pre-season games starting in September.
Originally published as LaMelo Ball arrives in Sydney to swarm of fans and media ahead of NBL season
‘I’m done’: Aussie basketball GOAT’s ‘epic ride’ over
It’s been five months since Australian basketball GOAT Lauren Jackson claimed a fifth Olympic medal. One of the greatest competitors in sporting history is finally ready to say “I’m done”, as she tells MICHAEL RANDALL.
Championship focus for Delly as United contract talks parked
As Melbourne United gears up for a ladder-shaping clash with bitter rival South East Melbourne, out-of-contract star guard Matthew Dellavedova has addressed his future in the NBL.