The Ball Brothers: A name that has become well-known the past couple of years in hoops circles around the world could become even more popular come NBA draft day in about two months. That’s when the youngest of the Balls, LaMelo, is expected to be one of the top three picks, like his brother Lonzo was just three years ago when he was selected number two to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Along with their brother LiAngelo, the Balls lit up the City of Palms Classic back in 2015 when they came to town with their undefeated Chino Hills Huskies. They exploded onto the national hoops scene that year with their high-powered offense and a team scoring average of over 100 points per game. LaMelo, just a five-foot-ten inch freshman at the time, averaged 16 points per game that season including 27 in his first game as a starter. He went on to win National Freshman of the Year honors and helped lead his team to the mythical national championship with a 35-0 record. LaMelo upped his game his sophomore year, scoring 92 points in one game and averaging close to 27 points per game to go along with 10 assists per game. After the season though, he left Chino Hills to be homeschooled and ultimately played professionally in Europe, returning to the states for his senior season and enrolling at SPIRE Academy in Ohio. After his senior season, Ball once again headed abroad and took his still-improving skills to Australia where he honed his game, grew to his current 6’ 7”, and played in the Australian-based National Basketball League. 

After many miles traveled and many games played, LaMelo figures to be one of the top picks in this year’s draft. You can see where he ends up, along with several other City of Palms alum, when the NBA Draft is broadcast on ESPN, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 18.