Former Illawarra Hawks guard LaMelo Ball has been selected as the NBA's No.3 selection with the Charlotte Hornets.
University of Georgia's Anthony Edwards was the top pick, taken by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday and James Wiseman (Memphis) to Golden State Warriors at No.2.
However, the prospect remains of a trade deal in the early exchanges, which would see Ball head to another high-ranking team in the draft.
The precocious teenage talent came to the Hawks last season as an NBL Next Star signing, where he played 12 games for three wins and averaged 17 points, including a triple double and season high 32 points against Cairns.
The brother of NBA players LiAngelo and Lonzo, LaMelo won the NBL rookie of the year award, even though he returned to the US during the campaign because of foot soreness.
Ball was then part of an ownership bid to take charge of the Hawks, which was overlooked into by the NBL in preference for a consortium involving former Philadelphia general manager Bryan Colangelo.
Emerging Australian Josh Green is possibly to be among the first 20 selections after a stint in college basketball with Arizona this season.
Sam Froling (Illawarra) and Kouat Noi (Cairns) have also nominated and have NBL contracts to return to if passed over.