Swaggy Melo just changed Amatuer Hoops forever
By Brandon Blakney
LaMelo Ball just spazzed on the world and became the first High School player ever to drop a signature shoe the “MB1” became available for pre order a few days ago.
Many would argue the youngest ball might have hotter kicks than eldest bro and Lakers new star Lonzo Ball. The initial shoe will feature a black and red color scheme true to the Big Baller Brand; combined with a smooth camo layout featured on the tongue, tip, and sides of the sneaker.
There have been thousands of phenoms before him but what Melo is doing could truly be trend setting and it definitely changed the game forever. We hadn’t witnessed anything like this before, sure we’ve seen custom gear with likeness to prep hoops stars but my guy from Chino Hills dropped a shoe! With over 2.5 million followers on Instagram it didn’t take long for word to spread about the first 16 year old with a signature shoe.
What is even more impressive is the dude actually helped design the shoe and had a lot of influence on the low cut design. Big Baller Brand continues to make headlines the ad for the shoe release was the cherry on top literally. The video possibly throwing shade at the critics of Melo’s 92 point game, he was captured cherry picking a few times on game film but to his defense that small portion doesn’t do the entire performance justice. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in AAU or Church league 92 points is impressive on any stage.
At the end of the Ad Melo rides off in an all black Lamborghini while Lonzo kicks straight bars in the background. The hype train will only continue to skyrocket from here, most major services have Ball ranked top 10 in the 2019 class. He’s already pledged to follow his brothers footsteps and join UCLA.
Melo could be the most scrutinized player in high school hoops he’s already a public figure at 16. Underneath everything at the core Melo is a really good basketball prospect with a few holes in his game like majority of players that age.
Offensively this guy is extremely gifted; the range that extends to half court is very well documented, Melo has elite handling ability hints the nickname “Ankle Bully”, coupled with elite passing ability and next level vision makes for a potentially elite floor general at the next level.
Shot selection is questionable some nights, defensively there are some issues with effort at times and in game situational awareness. These are kinks that can be worked out over the next two years.
This season he will be without Lonzo and LiAngelo so Chino Hills will be his team to run, it’ll be up to Melo to continue scoring but also working to make guys around him better. He struggled at times on the AAU circuit but lumps are expected along the way playing 17U at 15.
The MB1 has taken swag in high school ball to an entire new level and you never know what kind of reaction this power move may have started.
*pictures via Slam Magazine