LaMelo Ball’s signing in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Illawarra Hawks has been a great return for both sides. As recently reported, it was also a pairing that needed convincing from the Hawks’ side to go forward with the deal.
While Illawarra and the NBL were one of the front runners reported by many prior to the signing along with China, the Daily Telegraph of Australia suggested those weren’t the only two leagues seeking his services.
In discussing the meeting between Ball, handler Jermaine Jackson and the Hawks front office, the piece goes on to state that a week after the meeting, Ball turned down offers from “several European clubs to join the Wollongong-based franchise.”
It’s the first credible mention of any European clubs being interested in Ball’s services. While a return to Lithuania certainly wasn’t an option, clubs at other lower-level leagues could have shown interest. But no reports of any EuroLeague teams being interested in Ball have surfaced, something that certainly would have happened in the weeks and months after Ball’s signing with Illawarra.
In the end, it’s likely the best choice was made for Ball. The NBL’s Next Stars program gives him a chance to make more money than he likely would have at nearly any other club in the world while also giving him a chance to showcase his talents on a big stage, develop as a player and still take part in a competitive league against other professionals.
