The National Basketball League (NBL) is in a rare spot with enough self-awareness to realize what it is. In creating it’s “Next Stars” program, the NBL knows that it will be used as a stepping stone for young players like both RJ Hampton and LaMelo Ball.
The league’s focus is to create a realistic alternative for the NCAA one-and-done system and, with this program, have done just that. The league is focused on developing these incoming young players and has committed to doing so. Illawarra Hawks head coach Matt Flinn, who will be LaMelo’s new coach, spoke about the focus of the team with Ball moving forward.
“The Illawarra Hawks have a long history of developing great young players, many of whom have gone into great things in Australia, Europe and the NBA, and the signing of LaMelo is testimony to that. Together we will work hard so he can achieve his ultimate goal.”
By choosing a league focused on the development of its prospects, Ball will put himself in what is likely the best position available. With Ball debating between China and Australia, one league would have given him the chance to put up gaudy numbers with minimal improvement while the other league would have given him the chance to improve while potentially struggling. It’s telling that Ball and his family chose Australia despite it not being the easier path.
All of this will lead to a better future for Ball with a coach, team and league focused on maximizing his development.
