LaVar Ball on Choosing Spire Academy for LaMelo Ball
LaVar Ball, the outspoken patriarch of the Ball family, had an open and candid conversation about the highly scrutinized journey he took his youngest son, LaMelo Ball, to Spire Institute— A move that transformed Melo’s path towards becoming a top NBA draft pick.
From elite prep schools like Oak Hill Academy and Olympic High, to behind-the-scenes influencers and decisive conversations, LaVar detailed the chaotic, competitive, and calculated process that surrounded the selection.
Evaluating Elite Programs: Oak Hill, Olympic, and Beyond
When LaMelo came back to the United States Following a successful professional career with Vytautas Prienai in Lithuania, a number of high-profile high school basketball programs began to gather to recruit the youngest Ball’s brother.
According to reports, Oak Hill Academy, a well-known prep school that has produced NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant, was in the running. Also included is Olympic High School, a respected program that has received national recognition.
According to LaVar, these schools raised doubts about the reclassification of Melo’s transcripts and the difficulties linked to his international and professional history. LaMelo’s real talent and potential were becoming obscured by the red tape, which included academic evaluations, NCAA regulations, and eligibility hurdles.
“The only one who didn’t want all this background stuff and worrying about transcripts and everything, was Spire,” LaVar said. That became a key factor in the ultimate decision.
Discovering Spire Academy: A Hidden Gem
The transition to Spire Academy, an elite preparatory program in Geneva, Ohio, was not common. Wayne, a trusted figure in the Ball camp who previously worked in the JBA (Junior Basketball Association), LaVar’s short-lived pro league alternative to college basketball, was the first to uncover the opportunity.
“I didn’t go out looking for it. Wayne found it,” LaVar explained. Wayne Merino brought the option to Alan Foster, a former business partner, who then pitched it as a perfect fit for LaMelo.
LaVar claimed that Alan convinced the school with his up-tempo playing style, a Black head coach who played in the NBA, and a system that was created for elite-level competition and visibility. The opportunity was not solely about comfort, but also about making a statement.
The Spire Strategy: Visibility, Dominance, and Development
Spire Academy’s uniqueness was not just in their willingness to work with LaMelo’s unique situation, but also in their commitment to winning and player development. Spire became a media sensation under head coach Jermaine Jackson, who himself was an NBA player. LaMelo Ball joined a team that included top-notch high school talent, including future professionals, and Spire went on a run through the prep basketball circuit.
The team was able to dominate nationally televised matchups and packed arenas. Their consistency in winning led them to play with an aggressive and fast-pace system that enabled LaMelo to showcase his playmaking skills on a national stage once again. With Melo running the point, Spire not only racked up wins but also highlighted his NBA-ready court vision, scoring ability, and leadership.
Clearing the Air: Spire’s Role in LaMelo’s NBA Path
The question of whether LaMelo Ball would ever be eligible for college basketball was widely discussed due to his previous professional experience. Despite being ineligible by the NCAA, Spire’s platform enabled him to remain competitive and visible without being restricted to traditional systems. His next steps will be either the NBA G League or overseas options like the NBL in Australia, and Spire made it possible.
Spire’s flexibility in managing Melo’s unconventional path without turning it into a bureaucratic circus was invaluable. The philosophy of the school was in line with the values of the Ball family: control the narrative, bet on talent, and create your own path.
From Spire to Stardom: LaMelo’s Journey to the NBA
Following a successful season with Spire, LaMelo chose to pursue professional play with the Illawarra Hawks of the NBL in Australia, where he continued to improve his game against more experienced players. The combination of visibility at Spire and growth in the NBL launched him into the 2020 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets chose him as the third overall pick.
Spire may not have the long-term legacy of Oak Hill or IMG Academy, but for LaMelo Ball, it was a jumping off point that met expectations. The partnership between players and programs was built on trust, opportunity, and vision, and it worked.
Legacy of the Decision: Spire’s Impact on High School Basketball
With the emergence of Melo, Spire has gained credibility and momentum as a destination for elite-level prep talent. Other players who have complex backgrounds or international resumes have taken note. Young basketball stars are redefining their development path as a result of the program’s willingness to operate outside of the rigid norms of traditional high school basketball.
For LaVar, it’s just another victory in the long run of following the Ball family’s tradition. He’s never been shy about challenging the system, and with Spire, the results speak for themselves.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Next Generation
The journey from Lithuania to Ohio, from Spire to the NBA, is a testimony to strategic risk-taking and understanding one’s worth. LaVar Ball’s decision to support Spire Academy was not just about convenience; it was a calculated move to position LaMelo for success on his own terms.
While many high school athletes feel restricted by rules, eligibility requirements, and external expectations, the Ball family took a different path. The vehicle that brought their vision to life was Spire Academy.
