Image via Lonzowire.usatoday.com //

Australia has mad love for Melo…

In a recent announcement that will definitely make a bunch of Hawks fans just a bit upset, the NBL has announced that a licence for the Wollongong-based Illawarra Hawks would go to a consortium led by former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Brian Colangelo, as opposed to Hawks alumni LaMelo Ball. Although Lamelo’s business manager Jermaine Jackson stated that their bid to buy the club was a “done deal” back in April, Wednesday’s announcement will now see the club awarded to a syndicate that includes Colangelo, Michael Proctor and Sydney Kings co-owner Dorry Kordahi.

Speaking on the decision, NBL owner Larry Kestelman said “The decision in choosing the right owners was not an easy one. I would like, in particular, to thank LaMelo Ball and his organization for the support and interest shown in wanting to achieve the best outcome for the team.”

“We hope we can explore future opportunities with LaMelo and wish him all the best for the NBA Draft in October.”

It’s no wonder Ball wanted to buy the Hawks, after having quite the time with them over his 12-game tenure with the team. Joining as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, Melo averaged 17 points, seven assists and seven rebounds over 12 games, before finishing the season early due to a foot injury.

Although this is a bit of a bummer, we have no doubt Melo won’t be down in the dumps for long, with the young 18-year-old expected to be a top pick in the NBA draft later this year. Let’s hope he manages to come back down under after all the madness is over and shoot a couple of hoops with the Hawks one more time…