40 Facts About LiAngelo Ball

Source: Nba.com

Who is LiAngelo Ball? LiAngelo Ball, born on November 24, 1998, is a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts. As the middle child of the famous Ball family, he has carved his own path in the sport despite facing numerous hurdles. His parents, LaVar and Tina Ball, both former college basketball players, instilled a love for the game in him from a young age. Training since he was four, LiAngelo's journey has taken him from high school championships at Chino Hills to international courts in Lithuania and the NBA G League. Though his path has been unconventional, his dedication and resilience continue to inspire many.

Key Takeaways:

LiAngelo Ball's basketball journey began with strong family support and early training, leading to high school success and a rocky transition to professional leagues, including the JBA and G League.
Despite setbacks, LiAngelo Ball continues to pursue his NBA dream, showcasing his skills in various leagues and expressing a strong desire to prove himself at the highest level of basketball.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Background

LiAngelo Ball's journey in basketball began with a strong family foundation. His parents and siblings played pivotal roles in shaping his career.

01LiAngelo Robert Ball was born on November 24, 1998.
02He is the second son of LaVar Ball and Tina Ball (née Slatinsky), both former college basketball players.
03His father, LaVar, played for Washington State and Cal State Los Angeles.
04His mother, Tina, also played for Cal State Los Angeles.
05LiAngelo began training and working out at the age of four.

Growing Up with Brothers

Playing alongside his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo, LiAngelo developed his skills and competitive spirit early on.

06LiAngelo played basketball and flag football with his brothers on Big Ballers VXT, an AAU team created by their father.
07He attended Chino Hills High School in Chino Hills, California.
08At Chino Hills, he won a state championship and achieved national success as a junior with his brothers.
09As a freshman, he helped Chino Hills reach its first-ever CIF Southern Section Open Division championship game.
10During his sophomore year, he played alongside his brother Lonzo and cousin Andre Ball.

High School Achievements

LiAngelo's high school career was marked by impressive performances and significant milestones.

11He suffered a foot injury before his sophomore season but returned for the playoffs.
12In April 2015, he verbally committed to play college basketball for UCLA during his sophomore year.
13As a junior, he led Chino Hills to a state championship.
14His senior year saw him continue to excel, solidifying his reputation as a top high school player.

College and Early Professional Career

LiAngelo's transition from high school to college and then to professional basketball was filled with unexpected turns.

15Despite committing to UCLA, he only appeared in one game for the Bruins.
16He scored 11 points in an exhibition game against Cal State.
17LiAngelo was suspended from UCLA's basketball program due to an alleged theft incident in China.
18This incident led him to withdraw from the team.
19After leaving UCLA, he signed with Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League on December 11, 2017.

International and JBA Career

LiAngelo's professional journey took him overseas and into new leagues, showcasing his adaptability and resilience.

20In his professional debut on January 13, 2018, he went scoreless in a 95–86 loss to Lietkabelis.
21On February 11, 2018, he made his first start for Prienai, recording 13 points in a 97–95 victory over Šiauliai.
22On March 25, 2018, he scored a season-high 28 points with six three-pointers in a loss to Nevėžis.
23Despite his efforts, he announced on March 27, 2018, that he would enter the 2018 NBA draft.
24LiAngelo was not selected in the 2018 NBA draft.

Junior Basketball Association (JBA)

LiAngelo found a new platform to showcase his talents in the JBA, a league founded by his father.

25After the NBA draft, he joined the Los Angeles Ballers of the JBA.
26He made his debut for the Los Angeles Ballers on July 14, 2018, tallying 53 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
27LiAngelo was named to the West roster for the JBA All-Star Game.
28He was named co-MVP of the game after scoring 39 points.
29In his first playoff game, he scored a season-high 58 points in a 157–134 win over the Philadelphia Ballers.

G League and NBA Aspirations

Despite not making it to the NBA initially, LiAngelo continued to pursue his dream through the G League and other opportunities.

30On August 12, 2018, he matched his season high of 58 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in a Finals victory over the Seattle Ballers and was named Finals MVP.
31At the end of the JBA season, he was among 14 players named to the JBA USA select Team for an international tour.
32After the JBA, he joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League at the end of the 2019–20 season.
33He was briefly signed to the Detroit Pistons in late 2020 but was waived before the start of the 2020–21 season.
34LiAngelo joined the Greensboro Swarm in 2021, where he currently plays for the NBA G League team.

Personal Life and Future Prospects

LiAngelo's personal life and future in basketball continue to intrigue fans and analysts alike.

35LiAngelo stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds.
36As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
37He is in a relationship, though details about his partner are not publicly disclosed.
38Born on November 24, 1998, LiAngelo is a Sagittarius.
39Unlike his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo, his path to professional basketball was marked by a brief stint in college and numerous international and domestic leagues.
40While his NBA prospects are uncertain, he continues to play professionally and has expressed a desire to prove himself in the league.

LiAngelo Ball's Journey: A Testament to Perseverance

LiAngelo Ball's basketball journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From early training with his brothers to facing challenges like the UCLA suspension, he's shown resilience. Despite not being drafted into the NBA, LiAngelo found success in the Junior Basketball Association, earning MVP titles and making a mark internationally. His time with the Greensboro Swarm and brief stints with the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Blue highlight his determination. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 220 pounds, his physical presence is undeniable. With a net worth of around $1 million, LiAngelo continues to chase his NBA dreams. His story, marked by dedication and hard work, serves as an inspiration. Whether he makes it to the NBA or not, LiAngelo Ball's journey underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat teams has LiAngelo Ball played for?

LiAngelo's journey through professional basketball has seen him don various jerseys. He kicked off his career overseas with Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas in Lithuania, a move that grabbed headlines. Stateside, he's had stints with the Los Angeles Ballers in the Junior Basketball Association, a league founded by his father, LaVar Ball. More recently, he's been chasing his NBA dream, landing spots on the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets' summer league and practice squads. Each team has been a stepping stone in his quest for a permanent NBA roster spot.

QHow does LiAngelo's playing style differ from his brothers'?

While all three Ball brothers share a love for basketball, their playing styles are distinct. Lonzo, the eldest, is known for his exceptional passing and defensive skills, making him a formidable point guard. LaMelo, the youngest, dazzles with his scoring ability and court vision, traits that have earned him accolades in the NBA. LiAngelo, on the other hand, shines as a sharpshooter. His knack for sinking shots from beyond the arc and his physicality on the court set him apart. This combination of skills makes him a valuable asset, especially in situations requiring perimeter scoring.

QHas LiAngelo faced any controversies in his career?

Sure, LiAngelo's path hasn't been without its bumps. Perhaps the most notable incident occurred while he was a freshman at UCLA. During a team trip to China, he and two teammates were arrested for shoplifting. This event led to an international uproar, eventually resulting in their suspension from the team. LiAngelo left UCLA shortly after, turning a new page in his career by playing professionally overseas. Despite this setback, he's remained focused on his basketball aspirations, working tirelessly to prove his worth on the court.

QWhat achievements has LiAngelo Ball earned in his basketball career?

LiAngelo's career, though still in its early stages, has seen its fair share of highlights. While playing in Lithuania, he demonstrated his scoring prowess, once dropping 72 points in a game, a personal and league highlight. In the JBA, he continued to impress, earning All-Star honors and helping lead his team to a championship. These accomplishments, while not at the NBA level, showcase his talent and determination. They serve as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.

QHow has LiAngelo's family influenced his basketball career?

Basketball runs deep in the Ball family, with LaVar, their outspoken father, at the helm. LaVar's vision for his sons included professional basketball careers from a young age. This foresight led to the creation of the Big Baller Brand, a family-owned sports apparel company, and the JBA, providing LiAngelo and his brothers with unique platforms to showcase their talents. The support and visibility from these family ventures have been instrumental in propelling LiAngelo's career forward, despite the unconventional path.

QWhat's next for LiAngelo Ball?

LiAngelo's future in basketball holds promise, fueled by his relentless work ethic and determination to secure a spot in the NBA. Currently, he's focused on improving his game, participating in practice squads, and seizing every opportunity to play in the summer league and G League. His goal? To demonstrate that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. With each step, he's inching closer to making his NBA dream a reality, ready to leave his mark on the game.

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