Almost all supposed draft experts have UCLA’s Lonzo Ball and Washington’s Markelle Fultz getting selected in the top three of the 2017 NBA Draft. What they are divided on is who should go first. In a recent interview, Ball gave his own opinion on the matter – an unsurprising one.
“Markelle’s a great player, but I feel I’m better than him,” Lonzo Ball told ESPN 710 LA on Tuesday. “I think I can lead a team better than him – obviously, he’s a great scorer—he’s a great player, so I’m taking that away from him.” As noted by Bleacher Report, in the two players’ one and only matchup in the NCAA, Ball scored 22 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists as the Bruins routed the Huskies by 41 points. Markelle Fultz had 25 points, six rebounds and five assists in the lopsided loss.
But while Lonzo Ball’s impact on the college game was undeniable during his one and done stop at UCLA, there are very real questions surrounding how his game and its quirks will translate to the NBA game. Some point out that his struggles against Kentucky – who had an NBA-caliber athlete in De’Aaron Fox defending ball – could be the norm rather than the exception when he plays in the NBA. Ball was locked up by Fox in two games against Kentucky, which included a loss in the Sweet Sixteen. As pointed out by Sports Illustrated, Lonzo Ball had 14 points, seven assists, and six turnovers during a December game against Fox; and had 10 points, eight assists and four turnovers in his last NCAA game.
Then again, there is no denying how much better his team plays when he’s on the floor. His entry into the UCLA Bruins lineup immediately changed the team’s fortunes – with his pace, shooting and passing, making everyone around him instantly better. As we slowly approach the NBA Draft, Lonzo Ball will remain the most intriguing prospect. He’ll also remain as a top three pick, despite all the questions surrounding his game.
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