According has learned that LaMelo Ball has been ruled ineligible to participate in the McDonald's All-American game, a showcase that helps scouts grade the top high school players both male and female, in their graduate year.
As we reported, LaMelo Ball has enrolled at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, after previously foregoing his high school curriculum in lieu of a professional career jump in Lithuania with brother LiAngelo. The voting committee is sticking to the rule book which prevents players from "devirginizing" their All-American status once they go pro. That doesn't mean LaMelo won't be allowed to play this season, he just won't be eligible for the greatest distinction handed out to high school seniors.
"LaMelo Ball is a Professional Basketball player and has played professionally in Lithuania resulting in him being ineligible for the McDonald’s All-American Game," a rep for the voting committee told TMZ.
TMZ then reached out to the voting committee for the Naismith Prep Player of the Year award. They confirmed that yes, LaMelo is still eligible to win their prize bounty, should he come out on top. "As long as he maintains his amateur status, plays a full high school season and is in good standing with his team all season long, he’ll be considered just like any other HS candidate," a "Naismith" rep told TMZ.
His brother Lonzo recorded an impressive 13 assists in the 2016 McDonald's All-American game before joining UCLA the following semester.