[jwplayer shrwS1CP]
Projected top-five pick LaMelo Ball reportedly met with the Minnesota Timberwolves in-person on Tuesday in Southern California, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Ball met with Timberwolves president Gersson Rosas and head coach Ryan Saunders, which was his first in-person interview ahead of the NBA draft. As the potential top pick, Ball did not perform any on-court basketball work during the visit.
After meeting with the Timberwolves, Ball is tentatively scheduled to interview face to face with the Golden State Warriors next week. Ball is also expected to interview with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls prior to the NBA draft.
Ball is most commonly projected to be a top-five pick and so far has plans to meet with the first four teams on the draft board. He possesses a high level of basketball IQ and is known to be a great facilitator, traits that certainly translate to the next level.
The 20-year-old was named the NBL Rookie of the Year after averaging 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals in 12 games with the Illawarra Hawks. However, Ball struggled to shoot after converting on just 37% from the field and 24% from 3-point range.
Ball said previously he had only met with the Warriors and New York Knicks virtually but will now expand his list of teams now that prospects can meet in-person with front offices.
[lawrence-related id=23681,23677,23523]
[listicle id=23482]