Given his current situation, LaMelo Ball’s future consists of two likely options, neither of which include college basketball. Ball could head to the G League, an option bandied about most often as one of the few to receive a Select Contract.
The second option could see Ball return to Spire Institute or another prep school for another season before becoming draft eligible.
Rivals writer Corey Evans detailed the two options available for Ball while also offering possible insight into his decision.
“There are two avenues that have opened up for Ball, sources have told Rivals.com. The first would be for Ball to take a prep year next fall, which would make him eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft. He would be of the appropriate age a a full year removed from his high school graduation, similar to what unfolded last year with Anfernee Simons.
The other route is for Ball to graduate from high school and enter the new G-League initiative that would pay him up to $150,000 and be placed in the league’s October draft. After one season, he would be eligible for the 2020 draft.
It would seem that Ball might be leaning towards the former option, which would allow his always outgoing father, the infamous Lavar Ball, to control the narrative surrounding his youngest child.”
The reasoning behind the decision has validity to it as the Ball family’s seemingly main goal in all decisions is controlling the narrative for as long as possible. It explains their decision to create the Junior Basketball Association (JBA) and their decision to keep LaMelo and LiAngelo out of organized basketball at many steps.
Even then, it’d be a bit surprising to see Ball turn down the G League. Via that route, Ball would make $125,000 on top of being able to further promote his shoe in front of a larger audience. It would also get Ball in front of NBA scouts, teams and alongside borderline NBA players. How much that matters to the Ball family remains to be seen but it does feel like the wiser option.
The NBA still has not announced further plans for the G League select contracts and when they might be issued.
