As LaMelo Ball and the Illawarra Hawks prepare for another matchup against R.J. Hampton and the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday, Ball will enter the contest playing some of his best basketball of the season.
The 18-year-old became the youngest player in National Basketball League history on Monday to record a triple-double after tallying a career-high 32 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in 40 minutes of work. He shot 11-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range.
Ball has stepped into a bigger role with the Hawks after Aaron Brooks suffered a torn left Achilles on Oct. 27. In four games since that injury, Ball is averaging 22.3 points, 8.5 assists, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals while he is shooting 42% from the field.
Ball struggled to shoot at the beginning of the year but has shown steady improvement in each contest. He has converted on 36.3% from 3-point range over his last four games as he appears to be settling into a bigger role with the Hawks.
His stint in the NBL has given Ball his first opportunity to play in a structured system after playing in disorganized leagues in the past. He continues to exceed expectations and has shown why he will be a high draft pick next year.
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