Image via Lonzowire.usatoday.com //

Wonder what Lavar thinks…

After initial reports, top NBA Draft pick LaMelo Ball and his manager have confirmed to ESPN that they have purchased his former Aussie team the Illawarra Hawks. The NBL is yet to comment.

It doesn’t appear that he’ll be returning to the team however, as he’s currently back in the U.S. getting ready for the NBA Draft, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brother Lonzo.

Potential No. 1 NBA draft pick LaMelo Ball and his manager Jermaine Jackson have purchased his Australian NBL team, the Illawarra Hawks, Jackson told ESPN on Thursday.https://t.co/Zy80ZmRpVu

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 2, 2020

Speaking to ESPN, his manager said “Melo loves the Illawarra fans. He loves that community. They opened their arms to him. They made us feel like we are at home. When we started hearing about the issues they were going through, we talked about it and decided, ‘Let’s own the team'”.

Melo really seems to have love for Australia, as he is reported to have a deep connection to Wollongong after they supported him while he played for the Hawks. He even donated a months worth of his NBL salary to bushfire relief.

Super dope, here’s hoping Ball comes back down under some time soon to kick it with the Gong one more time…