Last Updated on May 28, 2025 by Mat Diekhake
LaMelo Ball did not play college basketball. Instead, he took an unconventional path to the NBA, gaining professional experience overseas and in alternative leagues.
LaMelo Ball’s Pre-NBA Career Summary
| Season | Team | League | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Vytautas Prienai | Lithuanian LKL | 8 | 12.8 | 6.5 | 1.1 | 2.4 | — | — | — |
| 2019–20 | Illawarra Hawks | NBL (Australia) | 12 | 31.3 | 17.0 | 7.6 | 6.8 | 37.5 | 25.0 | 72.0 |
Notes:
- GP = Games Played
- MPG = Minutes Per Game
- PPG = Points Per Game
- RPG = Rebounds Per Game
- APG = Assists Per Game
- FG% = Field Goal Percentage
- 3P% = Three-Point Percentage
- FT% = Free Throw Percentage
In 2017–18, LaMelo played for Vytautas Prienai in Lithuania’s LKL, appearing in 8 games with averages of 6.5 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in about 12.8 minutes per game. In 2019–20, he joined the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL, where he played 12 games, averaging 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
LaMelo Ball’s non-traditional route provided him with professional experience before entering the NBA, where he was selected 3rd overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft.