The official OKC Thunder Big board 1.0
By Rylan Stiles
4) LaMelo Ball, PG, NBL
Some of you may be surprised to find LaMelo Ball this low on my list, as it seems like everyone has hyped him up to be the nation’s top prospect after a couple of good performances in the NBL. Well, let’s settle down. Of course, it is the NBL of all leagues, and he is the only prospect that has started their season already. There is no one else to talk about right now. Ball also has the last name that will drive clicks. There are a lot of factors that go into seeing him skyrocketing up draft boards.
With all that being said, I still have LaMelo number four, and I think he will be a better player than Lonzo Ball. I think Ball will enter the 2019 NBA Draft without question. Really, you just wonder how his game will translate. We have seen LaMelo play overseas before but never in the widely considered top leagues such as the Euroleague.
The 18-year-old who stands 6’6 and comes in at 165 pounds has shown great playmaking abilities off the dribble and in the passing game while overseas.
LaMelo Ball’s Hawks will take on a fellow top 10 prospect RJ Hampton’s Breakers on Nov. 30th which will be the game to really focus on for both of their overseas tenures. The two NBA prospects will meet again Dec. 22nd and Feb. 2nd.
Unlike Hampton, Ball was not heavily recruited, after spending some time in Lithuania as a pro in high school it was unclear if Ball could even gain NCAA eligibility. Rather than fighting for it, the Ball family decided he would either play in China or the NBL and obviously LaMelo landed in the ABL. It was unclear if last November Kansas University recruited the most popular prospect. LaMelo says it happened while the program denies it.
Ball’s size mixed with his playmaking and shooting ability makes him by far the most interesting prospect in this year’s Draft class. Not to mention the reality TV show, the failed shoe brand, and he was the most popular high school athlete ever.
Another bonus in his corner is that his father, LaVar Ball has taken a huge step back. Not making many splashes anymore, unlike during the Draft process of LaMelo’s brother Lonzo Ball. This makes organizations like the Thunder who do not want all the drama more likely to strongly consider Ball.