LaMelo Ball has had a certain perception following him since the moment he appeared in mixtapes and highlight reels alongside his brothers. His shot-chucking, cherry-picking, no-defense-playing style was great for the box scores but left sour tastes in the mouths of many.
While Ball has done a terrific job of shedding that label with Illawarra this season, he nearly was never afforded that chance. Hawks owner Simon Stratford was among those holding a negative perception of Ball and initially nixed a deal for Ball from the start.
From The Daily Telegraph in Australia:
“When I initially got asked about LaMelo, I said ‘hell no’,” Illawarra owner Simon Stratford told The Sunday Telegraph. “I was like, ‘I’ve done my research on this kid and there is no way I want him a part of this club because I thought he’d bring unwanted attention’.”
After some due diligence, a more thorough delve into Ball’s past and present and a one-on-one meeting with Ball, the Hawks were convinced Ball perception did not meet the reality and opted to bring the guard in. The results have spoken for themselves not just on the court but off.
New Zealand Breakers CEO Matt Walsh spoke earlier this season about the on- and off-court impact not only Ball but fellow Next Stars mate RJ Hampton.
It’s incredible the impact these young guys have had on our league and our business. I think more than anything, they’re both just very good young men. To watch R.J. come out and play that way on this stage, I’m very proud of him…It’s exciting, man. I’m excited to watch LaMelo, I’m excited to watch R.J. It’s going to be an incredble NBL20.
Fortunately for all parties involved, the Hawks did do due diligence and brought in Ball, leading to a partnership all sides have benefitted from.
