LaMelo Ball becomes youngest NBL player with triple double

WOLLONGONG, Australia — American import LaMelo Ball became the youngest player in National Basketball League history to record a triple-double — 32 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists — on Monday.

The 18-year-old Ball achieved the feat as his Illawarra Hawks beat the Cairns Taipans 114-106 in overtime.

“Everyone saw what he’s capable of — he just impacts the game in so many ways,” Illawarra coach Matt Flinn said.

Ball, who is averaging 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists on the season, played previously in Lithuania.