RJ Hampton and LaMelo Ball are going to be linked for likely their entire careers as the players who potentially ushered in a new era but option to play in Australia over the NCAA. Hampton and Ball, though, are not rivals but companions in taking on the path few have traveled before them.
The duo appeared on the weekly #NBLOvertime show on Twitter with both having landed in Australia in the last week. During their appearance, Hampton was asked to break down Ball’s game.
“I just think, the main thing I like is his feel for the game. It seems like he’s never uncomfortable. He always knows what he wants to do. That’ll be the main thing, he knows where his passes are and where his shots are.”
Ball’s feel for the game is not only one of his strengths, it’s arguably his biggest strength. The more Ball has played in the last year, the more it has become apparent that he has a similar feel for the game that his oldest brother Lonzo had.
At the same time in recent season, Ball has flashed a stronger passing ability and an ability to read the court. All of this is on top of a scoring ability that has already surpassed that of Lonzo’s.
Add it all up and LaMelo’s quickly become one of the top prospects in his class as he has re-established himself in the recruiting and scouting scene. His challenge now will be to continue developing during his time in the NBL.
