LiAngelo Ball: The Fearless Middle Ball Brother - History Tools (2024)

Introducing LiAngelo Ball: The Overlooked Ball Brother

LiAngelo Ball is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. As the middle child of the famous Ball family, LiAngelo grew up in the shadow of his younger brother LaMelo and older brother Lonzo, who both garnered more attention and hype as prospects.

However, LiAngelo has never let being overlooked stop him from pursuing his basketball dreams with tenacity. After a brief college career ended abruptly, he carved out a professional path internationally to continue improving his game.

Early Life and Chino Hills Stardom

LiAngelo was born on November 24, 1998 to parents LaVar and Tina Ball in Anaheim, California. LaVar put a basketball in his sons‘ hands early, coaching them on fundamentals in the backyard court he built.

LiAngelo attended Chino Hills High School with his brothers and they formed one of the most dominant prep squads California had ever seen. During their undefeated 35-0 state championship season in 2016, LiAngelo averaged 16.9 points per game as a senior while shooting 45% from three-point range.

Though not as highly ranked as Lonzo and LaMelo, LiAngelo‘s size at 6‘5", deep shooting range, and crafty scoring ability made him an integral part of Chino Hills‘ success. He formed a "big three" with his brothers that was nearly impossible to stop.

Brief UCLA Stint Cut Short

Committed to play at UCLA with Lonzo, LiAngelo saw limited action as a freshman in the 2017 season. He appeared in only seven games, averaging 2.2 points in 4.6 minutes per game before his college career was abruptly cut short.

In November 2017, LiAngelo and two UCLA teammates were arrested for shoplifting during a team trip to China. This caused a huge media firestorm and ultimately resulted in an indefinite suspension from the program.

On December 4, 2017, after just a few months at UCLA, LiAngelo withdrew from school to pursue a professional basketball career.

Overseas Development

In January 2018, LiAngelo signed a one-year contract with Lithuanian team Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas along with younger brother LaMelo. The move allowed him to get regular playing time against grown men overseas.

LiAngelo averaged 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game with Vytautas. His stint in Lithuania gave him valuable experience playing at a high level internationally.

After Lithuania, LiAngelo joined the Junior Basketball Association founded by his father LaVar in 2018. There he dominated competition much younger than him, averaging over 40 points per game for the Los Angeles Ballers.

G League Emergence

Following stints in the JBA and Canadian Elite Basketball League, LiAngelo got his big break when he joined the NBA G League‘s Oklahoma City Blue in December 2020. He signed a Professional Path Contract with the G League to develop his skills against elite competition.

In February 2021, LiAngelo was traded to the Greensboro Swarm, the Charlotte Hornets‘ G League affiliate. There he emerged as a key rotation player, averaging 11.3 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 36% from three last season.

LiAngelo re-signed with the Swarm for 2022-2023 as he continues his NBA journey. Though overlooked at times, his scoring punch, competitiveness, and work ethic make him a valued prospect.

Off the Court Personality

Off the court, those close to LiAngelo describe him as quiet, humble, and laid-back compared to his brothers. He lets his play do the talking and works diligently to keep improving his game.

As the middle child, LiAngelo played mediator at times between strong personalities like LaVar and Lonzo. He brings balance to the Ball family dynamic.

LiAngelo enjoys giving back to his community in his free time. He remains focused on his goals, blocking out any outside criticism or drama. After early struggles, he has matured into a leader who leads by example.

Fun Facts About LiAngelo

• Briefly pursued rap career with LaMelo as duo "Melo Ball 1"
• Has signature Gelo 3 shoe with Big Baller Brand
• Known for having distinctive tattoo sleeve on shooting arm
• Made cameo appearance in Denzel Washington film Fences
• Over 40 points per game average in JBA is league record
• Featured heavily on Ball in the Family Facebook Watch series
• Has 5 sisters: LaJahnae, LaDeydanae, LaKhari, LaParis, and LaMikya

What‘s Next for LiAngelo?

As LiAngelo Ball continues to develop his game in the G League, his goal remains to follow in Lonzo‘s footsteps to reach the NBA. With his size, offensive skillset, and scoring ability, he has all the tools to succeed as a spark plug off the bench.

After his winding journey, LiAngelo is hungrier than ever to prove doubters wrong. His resilience and work ethic make him easy to root for. Don‘t be surprised if the overlooked Ball brother makes his NBA dreams a reality sooner than later.