At just 17 years old, Jackson Ball is already turning heads in the NBL – and not just for his age.
The New Zealand-born guard has burst onto the Australian basketball scene with a maturity, composure, and confidence well beyond his years.
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In a league filled with seasoned veterans and international stars, Ball’s poise has quickly caught the attention of coaches, fans, and even basketball legends.
Illawarra Hawks’ championship-winning head coach Justin Tatum has a sharp eye for young talent. Before joining the NBL, he spent several years coaching at Soldan International High School in the U.S., where he guided the team to a Class 4 state title.
Having coached across the globe, Tatum knows that age isn’t a defining factor in his approach. What matters most to him is whether a player is tough, hungry, and willing to do whatever it takes to earn minutes.
With Ball, Tatum decided to put that mindset to the test – and what followed may well be remembered as a defining moment in the young guard’s career.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after Illawarra’s big win over the Perth Wildcats, Tatum revealed he had challenged Ball during the team’s training sessions to see if he could hold his own against some of the league’s best – a chance for the coach to gauge whether the 17-year-old was ready for his first career start
“He had the challenge of going against Swaka (Wani Swaka Lo Buluk) and TB (Todd Blanchfield) and he never backed down, Tatum said.
“I’m sitting next to probably the best 17-year-old in the league right now.
“That was a pretty awesome experience, especially placing as high as fourth.”
Justin Tatum, head coach of the Hawks. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
After giving Ball his first start – and coming away with the win – Tatum knew he had something special on his hands. And now, he plans to make sure the rest of the league knows it too.
Ball is widely regarded as one of the brightest basketball talents to emerge from New Zealand. Unlike many players, however, his basketball journey began later in childhood.
Originally from Napier, Ball spent several years living in Brisbane before returning to New Zealand – where he first discovered his passion for the game. That newfound love for basketball has since propelled him onto a path most teenagers can only dream of.
“I was born in New Zealand, then moved to Brisbane, Australia – and honestly, I had no idea what basketball even was,” Ball said.
“When I moved back to New Zealand at about seven or eight, one of my teachers noticed I was pretty tall for my age and suggested I give basketball a go. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with the game.”
Earlier this year, Ball represented New Zealand at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where the Kiwis achieved their best-ever finish – an impressive fourth place.
“That was a pretty awesome experience, especially placing as high as fourth,” Ball said.
“We had a great group of guys. A lot of them have gone on to do amazing things – playing college basketball or even representing the Tall Blacks. It was just a special team and a really cool experience.”
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Representing his country remains one of Ball’s proudest moments.
“Being able to show where I’m from and wear that New Zealand jersey – it’s been a pretty special journey. I’m really thankful,” he said.
Ball’s high school years have been anything but ordinary. His breakout performances on the international stage turned heads, and his transition into professional basketball has been equally impressive.
Playing for the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the New Zealand NBL helped prepare him for the step up to the NBL with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia – though the leap hasn’t been without its challenges.
“Yeah, it was a big jump,” Ball admitted.
“In high school, I was usually the biggest and strongest on the court – I could pretty much do whatever I wanted. But coming here, the pace and physicality are on another level.
“The adjustment period was tough. I had about a week where I was breathing heavy and feeling sore – just trying to get used to it.
“Once I settled in, I started feeling confident. Playing with a bit of freedom and belief has been really good for me.”
Jackson Ball is showing maturity beyond his years. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Standing at 6’4” with a strong, athletic frame, Ball is still refining his game and finding his role. His high basketball IQ sets him apart, and his versatility allows him to play multiple positions.
“I’m definitely a bit of a combo guard,” he said.
“Right now, I’m figuring out my role – playing both the shooting guard and point guard positions depending on what the team needs. That flexibility is helping me find where I fit best.”
When speaking with foxsports.com.au, Ball shared his long-term ambitions – and, unsurprisingly, the NBA is at the top of his list.
“100 per cent. That’s the dream for every young basketball player,” he said.
“It’s definitely my dream too. I think it’s better to aim high, and even if I don’t quite make it, I’ll still have an amazing career – whether that’s back here in Australia or over in Europe. But I definitely want to aim high and try to make the NBA.”
In just his second career NBL game, Ball was given the surprise start by head coach Justin Tatum – a decision that raised a few eyebrows, including Ball’s own. But rather than being overwhelmed, he embraced the challenge and rose to the occasion.
“I was honestly baffled – I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Ball said.
“But it just shows how much trust the coaching staff, management, and my teammates have in me. Getting the opportunity to start really showed me that I’m ready to play at this level, and it gave me a lot of confidence.” he said.
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The Illawarra Hawks went on to defeat the Perth Wildcats, with Ball playing a pivotal role in the team’s victory.
1999 NBA Champion and seven-time NBL MVP Andrew Gaze – widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest basketballers – spoke to foxsports.com.au about Ball’s potential after viewing the Perth game, offering praise few young players receive.
“What stuck out was how much was faith that Justin Tatum has in him, because the amount of minutes he is playing. He was there throughout crunch time as well against Perth,” Gaze said.
“Based on that one game that I have seen where he played those meaningful minutes, he didn’t look rattled. He plays with a level of maturity where there is a basketball IQ.”
Those who have watched Ball during his short time in the league have quickly noticed his physical maturity – for someone so young, he already has the build of a seasoned veteran.
Standing alongside players with years of experience, he looks like someone entering his tenth season, not his first. Ball showed no nerves and didn’t try to play outside his skill set to impress. Instead, he focused on his role and executed his assignment with the confidence of a player his coach clearly trusts.
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“He wasn’t playing beyond his capabilities, was just doing what he had to do and playing his role, which is smart for a kid,” Gaze added.
“And not all kids have that level of composure. So there is a level of composure there and a maturity, and even the body looks more mature than what some.
“He’s not like a lot of 17-year-old kids either. He doesn’t allow players to bully him and push him around. He plays with great maturity so he’s got some really strong upside.”
Gaze highlighted Ball’s stint in the New Zealand Basketball League, where he averaged 20 points per game – an impressive feat for a 17-year-old competing against players with NBL experience.
“He seems well equipped, and you certainly can’t ignore what he did in the New Zealand league. That was highly impressive,” Gaze said.
“Based just on that, there’s a level of maturity there because in the New Zealand league, there’s still those older guys, real high-level talent. And to put up those sort of numbers in that league is impressive.”
It’s not every day you receive praise like that from one of the greatest players ever to step onto a basketball court. The future looks incredibly bright for Jackson Ball – and now, he’s earned the backing of the GOAT himself.
Ball has committed to the University of Wisconsin for 2026 – a major opportunity to showcase his talent on the world stage and continue his basketball journey.
For now, though, he’s focused on soaking up every moment with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL – an experience only few can dream of.