Wisconsin commit joins international pro league that’s fast becoming an NBA pipeline

Jackson Ball, a 2026 Wisconsin Badgers basketball commit, has signed a professional contract with Australia's Illawarra Hawks in the National Basketball League (NBL). The NBL is recognized as one of the world’s premier international leagues and has developed NBA talents like LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton, and Josh Giddey.

Ball joined the Hawks as a development player through the NBL’s "Next Stars" program, specifically designed to groom young prospects for the NBA. Multiple NBL teams pursued the 6’5" wing—New Zealand’s top NBA prospect—but his connection with Hawks assistant Sam Gruggen secured his move to the defending champions. Ball averaged 9.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the 2025 FIBA competitions.

This transition follows Ball’s standout performance in New Zealand’s lower-tier NZBL, where he scored explosively, including a 40-point game. ESPN highlights his status as New Zealand’s premier NBA prospect, noting that the NBL’s higher level of competition will better prepare him for both Wisconsin and the 2027 NBA Draft. The Hawks explicitly stated they targeted Ball to refine his skills for the "next step."

For Wisconsin, Ball represents a significant asset with a clear trajectory: one season in the NBL, followed by college basketball with the Badgers, and ultimately the NBA. The move is viewed as strategic preparation for his professional future.