On June 16, the NBA announced its 2020 -2021 Rookie of the Year award to SPIRE Institute and Academy (IA)’s own LaMelo Ball. The third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Ball excelled during his rookie campaign, where he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.59 steals in 51 games. The versatile point guard also led all rookies in assists and steals, while ranking second in points and rebounds. 

A former SPIRE student athlete, Ball won the award with 84 first-place votes, far ahead of the 15 received by runner-up, Anthony Edwards. Ball joined SPIRE in 2018 to pursue his dreams of professional basketball. There, he continued his training with top coaches and industry-leading experts in a world-class training facility.

Ball finished with the third-most three-pointers made and the second-most assists ever made by a rookie in the history of the team, even after missing 21 games last season due to a wrist injury.

The award comes on the heels of several other notable recognitions, including being named Rookie of the Month for three straight months and being named for the 2021 US Team on the NBA Rising Stars rosters. Overseas, LaMelo was named the NBL Rookie of the Year while playing for Australia’s Illawarra Hawks.

SPIRE’s staff, coaches, and athletes would like to congratulate LaMelo Ball on his amazing achievement and wish him all the best in his career.