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LaMelo Ball joining Illawarra Hawks of Australia's NBL

Cassy Athena / Getty Images Sport / Getty

LaMelo Ball has signed a deal with the Illawarra Hawks of Australia's NBL and expects to enter the 2020 NBA Draft, the point guard told ESPN's "The Jump" on Monday.

"My goal is to be the top pick in next year's draft and I feel they can help me reach that goal," Ball said.

The younger brother of Lonzo follows No. 5-ranked recruit RJ Hampton as the second high-profile prospect to choose the NBL for next season. Hampton agreed to a deal with the New Zealand Breakers in May, declining an opportunity to join multiple top-ranked collegiate programs.

This will be Ball's second stint overseas. The 6-foot-7 point guard played professionally for Vytautas Prienu in Lithuania during the 2017-18 season.

Ball has spent the past year playing for SPIRE Institute in Ohio.

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