Wisconsin 2026 basketball commit Jackson Ball has signed a professional contract with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. The NBL is one of the top international leagues in the world, having produced some top-level NBA talent over the last decade. Players like LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton, and Josh Giddey have all made that jump.
In fact, the NBL has a program called "Next Stars," which is intentionally designed to help young players develop into NBA players through the NBL, which is essentially the direction that Ball is going with the Hawks, as he has signed as a development player for next season.
Multiple NBL teams pursued Ball - a 6’5 wing who’s currently New Zealand’s top NBA prospect - sources told ESPN, but his relationship with Hawks assistant Sam Gruggen was the clincher in joining the defending champions. Ball averaged 9.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg, and 3.1 apg at the 2025 FIBA…
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) July 27, 2025
Jackson Ball is listed as New Zealand's top NBA prospect according to ESPN
This comes on the back of Ball having a very impressive NZBL season last year. He exploded with huge point-scoring games, even a 40-point wonder. The NZBL is a step down from the NBL in terms of talent and pro-level experience or development. This move for Ball will only better prepare him for the NBA when he is draft-eligible in 2027.
ESPN also mentions him as New Zealand's best NBA prospect and one of the reasons he's making the shift to the Australian league (NBL). This move will better prepare him for both the Badgers and eventually the NBA.
When the Hawks announced the signing, they quoted Ball as a player they had their eye on and now feel is a perfect addition for them, enabling them to better prepare him for the next step.
"“Jackson is a player we've been tracking for some time. He brings a great mix of skill and potential, and we believe our system is the perfect environment for him to take the next step in his basketball journey."Mat Campbell, Illawarra Hawks GM
This is massive news for the Wisconsin Badgers, as they may have found a gem in New Zealand, and he appears to have a clear path towards the NBA. One year in the NBL, the Badgers, and off to the NBA. That's the plan, and hopefully, that works out well for the Badgers.