The hype for LaMelo Ball has greatly increased since the teenager broke into Australia's National Basketball League, now a likely top-five draft pick in the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft. Ball is even already drawing comparisons to Dallas Mavericks phenom Luka Doncic, according to a scout.

Ball's tight handle at 6-foot-7 and his court vision at such a young age, plus his creativity, flair, and instincts as a playmaker make him a Doncic-like talent worth watching out for. Doncic was traded on draft night, going to the Dallas Mavericks after they traded for the Atlanta Hawks' third overall pick.

Meanwhile, former NBA point guard Aaron Brooks is really impressed by Ball:

“The stuff I see is NBA stuff. His IQ is amazing,” 10-year NBA veteran Aaron Brooks told Mirin Fader of Bleacher Report, having played with Ball on Illawarra until he tore his Achilles in late October. “There's no doubt about it: He's ready for the NBA. His ceiling is so high.”

Brooks, a University of Oregon standout, played the point guard position for 10 years in the league before exploring his options overseas. As a 34-year-old, he has seen just about everything it takes to play the position successfully, and after spending a few months with Ball, he's convinced the youngster has it all.

Ball plans to play with the Illawarra Hawks of the NBL through the end of the 2019-20 season, which will come in February before he crosses over back to the United States to prepare for the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft.

If the 18-year-old can keep up his high level of play and avoid injury, he should be among the first few names called in June, considering his size at the position and the undeniable talent he possesses.