"Yeah, I believe so."

That was Lamelo Ball's short but striking response when asked if he is the number one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Ball has every right to sound confident. After all, the 18-year old prospect continues to impress in his play professionally in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL.

With the combination of size and skills, it goes without saying that the 6'7 guard is indeed bound to showcase his repertoire under the bright lights of the NBA as one of its future stars.

As reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Ball has now been drawing serious attention from NBA scouts with one being particular and said, "If he keeps this up, I don't see any way he isn't in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick."

But while this is backed up by his numbers and solid showing, the self-projection by Ball still drew mixed reactions from his growing number of followers.

There were those who gave a nod and thumbs up, believing that Ball is the real deal.

But of course, there are those who are not convinced "yet".

The draft fast approaches, so as the rise of Ball's draft stock. From being a projected second-rounder early this year to being a consensus top pick contender, the Chino Hills, California raised baller has certainly come a long way. Analysts are in agreement that at this early age of his basketball career, Ball has already got the maturity to compete against the best of the world.

Proof? Ball knows what he is talking about. After his bold statement made the rounds in social media, he backed up his words by playing his best professional basketball game so far in the Hawks 101-91 win against the Cairns Taipans on Saturday.

He scored a career-high 24 points and flirted with a triple-double after dishing out nine assists and grabbing seven boards. He also had two steals and buried five triples.

lamelo ball Illawarra Hawks NBL
American teenage star, LaMelo Ball drives to the basket during an Illawarra Hawks NBL training session at The Snakepit on August 21, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. Mark Evans/Getty Images

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.