Former Illawarra Hawks guard LaMelo Ball has been selected as the NBA's No.3 selection with the Charlotte Hornets.
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University of Georgia's Anthony Edwards was the top pick, taken by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday and James Wiseman (Memphis) to Golden State Warriors at No.2.
It came as Hawks' new Next Star signing Justinian Jessup was secured by the Warriors at pick No.51, which likely mean he will continue to play the season in Wollongong while on the NBA roster.
The precocious teenage talent came to the Hawks last season as an NBL Next Star signing, where he played 12 games for three wins and averaged 17 points, including a triple double and season high 32 points against Cairns.
The brother of NBA players LiAngelo and Lonzo, LaMelo won the NBL rookie of the year award, even though he returned to the US during the campaign because of foot soreness.
Ball was then part of an ownership bid to take charge of the Hawks, which was overlooked into by the NBL in preference for a consortium involving former Philadelphia general manager Bryan Colangelo.
Emerging Australian Josh Green was chosen by Dallas at No.18, after a stint in college basketball with Arizona.
Sam Froling (Illawarra) and Kouat Noi (Cairns) also nominated and have NBL contracts to return to if passed over.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
