The Ball's in Jackson's court: Gaze praises rising Hawk

He may have only featured in three NBL games, but one NBL teenager has already caught the eye of the competition's greatest ever player, Andrew Gaze.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia, seven-time MVP Andrew Gaze sung the praises of Illawarra Hawks guard Jackson Ball, who has started in two of his NBL appearances.

“He plays with a level of maturity where there is a basketball IQ and he doesn't play beyond his capabilities, rather just doing what he had to do and playing his role, which is smart for a kid," Gaze said to foxsports.com.au.

“Not all kids have that level of composure. Even the body looks more mature than what some have.

“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.”

Ball, who helped New Zealand finish fourth at the 2025 FIBA Under 19 World Cup, has committed to the University of Wisconsin, following his rookie NBL season with the reigning champions.

He returns to the court on Wednesday night, as Illawarra hosts Melbourne in an NBL25 Championship Series rematch.

The Ignite Cup game tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

‍Read the full story here >> ‘Not like a lot of 17-year-old kids’: Aussie basketball GOAT’s big call on rising NBL star Jackson Ball