Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michael Mulford

LaMelo on skipping college: ‘We ain’t trippin’ off school’

LaMelo Ball’s path to the NBA is unique.

From foregoing finishing his high school career to losing his eligibility to play in college, Ball’s journey prior to being drafted No. 3 overall in 2020 is one of a kind.

As of Tuesday, Ball has blessed the cover of GQ Magazine, where he discussed his journey and growing stardom, including his decision to skip school to play professionally.

“We not trippin’ off school. We not dumb. We know how to learn,” LaMelo said. “We don’t need school. And school not even teachin’ you shit—what the fuck is school?”

LaMelo left high school during his junior year to play professionally overseas in Lithuania alongside his brother, LiAngelo. Following their time with Prienai of the LKL, LaMelo and his brother played in the JBL, created by their father, LaVar, before ultimately playing in the NBL in 2019-20 for the Illwarra Hawks prior to the 2020 NBA draft.

“You wanna go to the league, so school’s not your priority.”

Though LaMelo’s path isn’t for everyone, just like school may not be, his decisions to get where he’s at in life right now have been proven to be right for him.

Check out the full interview here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.