LaMelo Ball has agreed to sign with the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League on a two-year deal with NBA out clauses.

Ball played for a year in Lithuania in 2018, which compromised his NCAA eligibility. 

"My agents did a ton of research on the options I had to play this coming season and Australia really made sense for me," Ball told ESPN. "They have a really strong league, with excellent coaches and great players, including former and future NBA players, and great strength and conditioning programs. My goal is to be the top pick in next year's Draft and I feel they can help me reach that goal. Also, the timing of the season works well with the timing of next year's Draft."

Ball is the No. 21 prospect in the incoming college class of 2019.

Ettore Messina has agreed to become head coach and president of Olimpia Milano.

Messina joined the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach in 2014.

Messina served as interim head coach at the end of the 18-19 season when Gregg Popovich was on bereavement leave. Messina had been a candidate for several head coaching jobs.

The Spurs have also lost Ime Udoka this offseason.