LiAngelo Ball and his younger brother LaMelo are reportedly considering the option of playing overseas after their father LaVar pulled them out of school. LaMelo, 16, was taken out of Chino Hills High School a few months back. Yesterday, it was announced that LiAngelo, 19, would be leaving UCLA.
According to Yahoo Sports, Harrison Gaines, the representative for LaMelo and LiAngelo, started initial contact with overseas teams this week. Of course, going pro overseas would mean the end of both of their collegiate basketball careers before they ever got underway.
LiAngelo and two of his teammates, Jalen Hill and Cody Riley, were suspended indefinitely following their arrest in China for shoplifting. During a press conference, all three players apologized for their actions and thanked President Trump for his efforts in helping them return to the States, but they remain suspended.
ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas told USA Today Sports last month that he didn't view LiAngelo as an NBA talent, especially when compared to the eldest Ball brother, Lonzo.
"I didn't see (NBA) potential in high school with LiAngelo," Bilas said last month. "It's not the same feeling as watching Lonzo — when you absolutely could tell."
LaMelo has already committed to UCLA for the class of 2019, but it's becoming less and less likely he'll ever suit up for the Bruins. He is widely considered to be a more valuable prospect than his older brother LiAngelo and is among the Top-10 players for the Class of 2019.