ILLAWARRA fans won't get the chance to farewell LaMelo Ball at the WEC, with the projected top three NBA Draft pick returning to the US on Wednesday.
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Ball hasn't played for the club since posting consecutive triple-doubles against Cairns and New Zealand in round eight and nine. He was subsequently sidelined with a foot injury, with the club confirming he wouldn't take the court again a fortnight ago.
He was expected to continue rehab on the injury in Wollongong until the conclusion for the Hawks campaign but has pulled the pin early to head back to America to begin pre-Draft preparations.
Hawks general manager Mat Campbell confirmed the move on Wednesday.
"With only four games remaining this season we understand LaMelo is keen to return home at this point in time to prepare for the most important phase of his career," Campbell said in a statement.
"He has taken huge strides as a player this season and there is a lot of interest in him ahead of the NBA Draft in June.
"LaMelo has had a big impact on our club and the league and we thank him for everything he has done for the Hawks and the Illawarra community.
"He has a very bright future ahead of him and the Hawks are proud to have played a part in that journey. LaMelo and his team will always be a part of the Hawks family and we wish him the very best ahead of the NBA Draft."
The Hawks play the Taipans in Cairns on Friday ahead of their final game in Wollongong against New Zealand on Sunday in which it will celebrate Indigenous Round.
It was planned to be a farewell for Ball who was also expected to remain in Australia for both the Hawks and NBL's end-of-season awards nights but that will no longer be the case.
Ball's injury struck at time his Draft stock was at its highest on the back of his back to back triple-doubles, with his stint in the league seeing him average 17 points, seven assists and seven rebounds on 12 outings.
The early departure may not spell the end of his Wollongong association with whispers suggesting he could be sounded out to form part of a new ownership group for the club.