Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan calls LaMelo Ball a ‘really skilled player’
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On top of making a fan out of his own head coach in James Borrego, LaMelo Ball is making fans of a number of opposing head coaches as well. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is the latest to praise the rookie guard ahead of Chicago’s game against Charlotte on Friday.
“He’s obviously a really skilled player, he’s got a really, really, really good feel on how to play,” Donovan said. “He’s obviously an exceptional passer, he’s got really, really good length. I think from seeing him on film he plays with a great deal of confidence and belief in his abilities. I think as he continues like most rookies, to continue to get more and more experience and more and more playing time… get through the league at least once to get an idea of some of the people he’s got to defend… get an idea of how he’s defending he’s only going to get better.
“I think for rookies like him and Patrick (Williams) where he’s been in situations where they’ve been getting significant minutes, I think with those guys’ talent levels they are only going to get better.”
Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle had similar praise earlier this season for Ball, tabbing him as the Rookie of the Year favorite early in the year.
“He’s terrific. Right now, with the way things look, he looks like Rookie of the Year to me. He’s getting it done statistically, their team is winning, he’s got energy, he’s got a vibe, he’s got swagger. If you like watching players that play with flair, he’s right up there. He had a huge game against us. We have great respect for him. That’s about all I can say about it – the guy is getting the job done on the floor.”
Ironically, after each coached offered praise for Ball in the pregame, Ball has struggled in the ensuing contest. Against Dallas, Ball managed just four points, seven rebounds and five assists in a loss. On Friday against the Bulls, Ball finished with seven points, two rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes, though he only played just over a minute in the second half.
