Ball’s triple double continues to validate his future in the NBA
LaMelo Ball cannot be denied. He is going to be a legit NBA lottery pick come June 2020.
Two nights ago, the 18-year-old Ball became NBL’s youngest player in history to record a triple-double. By the end of the game against the Cairns Taipans, Ball had 32 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.
The kid can play, oh can he play!
In his previous match up against the same team, Ball dropped 24 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. This time around he stepped it up a notch with his first triple double in the NBL. Ball shot 11/20 from the field, 4/7 from deep and 6/8 from the stripe.
Ball is clutch. He has no fear and makes the big shots when it matters the most. That is one intangible that every team craves for, a player who can back himself and let his game do all the talking.
Against the Taipans, Ball hit the game-tying three pointer in regulation to force the game into overtime. He eventually helped the Illawarra Hawks secure their third victory of the season. What mattered the most to him was securing the win and Ball did just that.
Illawarra Hawks head coach Matt Flinn shared his admiration towards his young rookie.
“He just impacts the game in so many different ways and it’s exciting to be a part of. It’s also the way he brings his teammates into the game as well, there’s so many good players in this league but the really great ones make everyone around them better.”
The rest of the league is on notice – how do they shut down the young Ball? They can keep trying, but when he gets in a zone Ball is hard to stop.
He can work on and off the ball. If he is denied, LaMelo will find a way to get open. When he carries the rock, Ball can turn it up a notch and bamboozle his opponent. He can play the pick and roll with his bigs, drive and dish for an easy deuce.
Ball’s athleticism looks deceiving but he can take his man one on one. He got that iso game take that quick first step to beat his defender and finish above the rim. He is an offensive threat no doubt.
Check out Ball’s flush against the Taipans last Monday.
Watch out now, Ball has more tricks up his sleeve. Grab your tickets because Ball alone is worth the entry price.
Writer: Marco Selorio. Follow him on Instagram @marcoselorio