Top NBA draft prospect LaMelo Ball is “absolutely committed” to the purchase of the Australian National Basketball League's Illawarra Hawks after reports of a “done deal” from his camp were quickly refuted.

Ball's manager, Jermaine Jackson, assured ESPN it was a “done deal,” but NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger told SEN that Ball and his camp “got a little ahead of themselves” with the erroneous announcement.

The announcement from Ball's camp actually even backfired, as Loeliger mentioned interest in the franchise has grown since the initial report:

“Since LaMelo Ball’s team made those comments, we’d had another two or three expressions of interest from very significant offshore investors as well as another two or three locals who have put their hand up to show interest. These are really well-credentialed individuals and organisations so it’s a very promising sign.”

According to The Illawarra Mercury, Ball is “absolutely committed” to buying the team for whom he played 12 games this past season before an injury prematurely ended his season.

Ball plans to use his contacts in the United States to make them a force again in the NBL again after the team was put under voluntary administration last week.

Ball's popularity and commitment to the franchise makes him a huge asset for the franchise. Besides having the image of the soon-to-be NBA player, the Hawks can piggyback off his meteoric success in the league and attract plenty of other players hoping to make their name overseas before declaring for the NBA Draft.