While LaVar Ball stated earlier this week that LaMelo’s future included playing professionally once more in China or Australia, some reports still suggest that playing in America, and at Spire Institute, may not be out of the option.
New York Times sportswriter Adam Zagoria reported a handful of items regarding Spire Institute and LaMelo, including news of the departure of head coach Jermaine Jackson as well as the youngest Ball brothers potential return.
There’s obviously much to unpack in the piece. Jackson’s departure could be related to Spire Institute being for sale. Or he could potentially be cashing in on a successful season and looking to form his own school as a result.
Given Jackson’s relationship with the Ball family, that will likely play in role in whether Ball returns to Spire, even if Jackson was not the coach of the post-grad team last season.
Post-grad school is certainly in play for Ball as it appears LaVar has no interest having him play in the G Leauge and the NCAA nightmare is one that won’t play itself out in favor of the Ball family.
Various other recent draft picks opted for a year at prep school as opposed to college. Anfernee Simons and Mitchell Robinson were two of the most recent examples. While it’s not the ideal route for Ball to improve as a prospect, it continues to allow the Ball family to control the narrative around LaMelo.
At the end of the day, unfortunately, Ball’s improvement has not and likely will not be the focus of the Ball family. Instead, and especially in light of recent events, the Balls will continue to look to maximize their youngest son as an asset for money and financial gain as long as they can.
