LaMelo Ball is a highly-touted basketball player known for his exceptional skills on the court. Born on August 22, 2001, in Chino Hills, California, LaMelo has been playing basketball since a young age, and his talent has been recognized by fans and experts alike. However, despite his immense potential, LaMelo’s basketball journey has been somewhat unconventional, and there has been some confusion about whether or not he attended college.
To understand LaMelo’s basketball journey, we have to start with his family. LaMelo’s father, LaVar Ball, is a former college basketball player who has made headlines in recent years for his outspoken personality and controversial comments about his sons’ basketball careers. LaVar has three sons, Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, all of whom have played basketball at various levels.
LaMelo started his high school career at Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside his older brother, Lonzo. During his sophomore year, LaMelo became the youngest player in history to score 92 points in a high school game, which drew attention from basketball fans and scouts across the country.
After two years at Chino Hills, LaMelo’s basketball journey took a somewhat unconventional turn. In 2018, LaVar decided to pull LaMelo out of high school and enroll him in a professional basketball league in Lithuania. LaMelo played for the BC Prienai team, where he gained valuable experience playing against professional basketball players in Europe.
Where did LaMelo Ball go after Chino Hills?
After his stint in Lithuania, LaMelo returned to the United States and enrolled at Spire Institute in Ohio, a prep school that has produced several notable basketball players. Despite the interest from colleges, LaMelo ultimately decided to forgo college and pursue a professional basketball career. In 2019, he announced that he would be signing with the Illawarra Hawks, a professional team in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
LaMelo’s decision to play professionally in Australia was somewhat controversial, as it meant that he would be bypassing the traditional route of playing college basketball in the United States. However, LaMelo’s performance in the NBL quickly silenced any doubts about his ability to play at a high level. In his rookie season, LaMelo averaged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game and was named the NBL Rookie of the Year.
LaMelo’s success in Australia caught the attention of NBA teams, and he was selected as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo’s rookie season in the NBA was nothing short of impressive, as he averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
In conclusion, LaMelo Ball did not attend college, but his basketball journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From scoring 92 points in a high school game to playing professionally in Lithuania and Australia, LaMelo has proven that he has the talent and drive to succeed at the highest levels of basketball. With a promising future in the NBA, LaMelo is poised to continue making waves in the basketball world for years to come.
