After reportedly agreeing to a deal in late August, LaMelo Ball was officially announced as a PUMA Basketball athlete on Wednesday through social media. Both Ball and PUMA posted the same video to their respective Twitter accounts to announce his arrival.
Through Nick DePaula, ESPN’s shoe reporter, Ball released a quote on joining the brand over remaining with Big Baller Brand.
“I personally chose a different path to achieve my success because that defines who I am. I know some people think I am mysterious or ‘not from here,’ and I might have to agree. I am someone who likes to be different & consider myself to be 1 of 1.”
Puma’s Director of Brand Adam Petrick also gave a statement through DePaula on signing LaMelo Ball
“We are thrilled to add him to our roster of talented athletes and at just 19 years old, we can’t wait to see his impact on the broader culture surrounding basketball.”
Per DePaula, the first Ball gear with PUMA will drop on Nov. 18, which is not coincidentally the date of the 2020 NBA Draft.
Ball joins a growing list of PUMA athletes that includes soccer superstar Neymar as well basketball athletes Kyle Kuzma, RJ Barrett and Michael Porter, Jr., among others.