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18-year-old LaMelo Ball has reportedly declared for the 2020 NBA Draft after one season abroad in the National Basketball League, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Ball 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. His season was cut short due to a foot injury but he is expected to be fully healthy prior to next season.
Ball is considered to be in the discussion for the No. 1 pick given his potential and ability to lead a team on the court. He filled up the stat sheet on a number of occasions in the NBL and became the first player in the 40-minute era to have consecutive triple-doubles.
Sources: Potential top pick LaMelo Ball has declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. Ball was under “professional” category of early-entry candidates distributed to teams Tuesday night. Virtual pre-draft process can now begin with teams.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2020
The news of Ball declaring for the NBA Draft is merely a formality as he has been preparing since returning to the United States in January. On Monday, it was reported that Ball and his two brothers, Lonzo and LiAngelo, have signed with Roc Nation for representation.
Ball is projected to be selected with the third pick in the latest 2020 Rookie Wire NBA Mock Draft.
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