First-year head coach Matt Flinn will have his work cut out for him with the Illawarra Hawks this upcoming National Basketball League (NBL) season. LaMelo Ball will enter as not only the most popular Next Stars player in the short-lived program’s history but arguably the most popular athlete in the NBL’s history.
Ball will provide a massive boost for the league and the Hawks both but will come with a ton of baggage that comes with his popularity. The scrutiny will come about and he’ll be under a larger microscope than likely at any point in his coaching career, at least in Australia.
In a recent interview in the Illawarra Mercury, Flinn was asked how he’ll balance on- and off-court matters with LaMelo Ball this season which he used as a chance to compliment Ball’s abilities.
“I’m confident I can keep it about basketball and on the floor. There will obviously be certain other things surrounding it, he’s a celebrity athlete but he’s a really respectful kid. He’s got enormous talent but I did talk to him about the level he’s coming into.”
Flinn has been particularly effusive in his praise of Ball despite the two not almost certainly not having officially met yet. The new head coach has stated the team’s focus is to help Ball reach his ultimate goal while also believing Ball can realistically reach the NBA.
It’s a healthy start to what will be a very important relationship for Ball’s future.
