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UCLA Bruins basketball has been home to several Ball brothers over the years. Lonzo Ball played as a freshman point guard for the team, gaining national media attention for his outspoken behaviour and that of his father, LaVar Ball. LiAngelo Ball, another of LaVar's sons, was also a member of the UCLA basketball team but was suspended indefinitely after he and two teammates were accused of shoplifting in China. LaVar Ball subsequently pulled him out of UCLA and he began training for the NBA draft. A third brother, LaMelo, also intended to play for UCLA internationally, but it is unclear if he ever did.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ball family member who played for UCLA | Lonzo Ball |
| Ball family member who withdrew from UCLA | LiAngelo Ball |
| Year Lonzo Ball played for UCLA | 2015 |
| Year LiAngelo Ball withdrew from UCLA | 2017 |
| UCLA basketball team name | UCLA Bruins |
| UCLA basketball team coach in 1984-1985 | Jim Harrick |
| UCLA basketball team coach in 1986-1987 | Jim Harrick |
| UCLA basketball team coach in 1966-1968 | John Wooden |
| UCLA basketball team coach in 1988 | Walt Hazzard |
| UCLA basketball team's rival | Arizona |
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What You'll Learn
LiAngelo Ball's suspension and withdrawal from UCLA
LiAngelo Ball, brother of Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, was a three-star recruit who committed to play for the UCLA Bruins as a sophomore in high school. He officially enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, on June 1, 2017, and was projected to be a reserve during his freshman season for UCLA.
On November 7, 2017, days before UCLA's regular-season opener against Georgia Tech, Ball was arrested in Hangzhou, China, along with two other freshman teammates. The trio was accused of shoplifting, with reports claiming they stole sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store. They were released from custody and thanked then-President Donald Trump for helping to secure their release. However, the incident sparked a war of words between Trump and Ball's father, LaVar Ball, who refused to thank the president publicly.
Following the shoplifting incident, LiAngelo Ball was suspended indefinitely from the UCLA basketball program. On December 4, 2017, Ball announced his intention to withdraw from UCLA, with his father expressing frustration over the length of the suspension. LaVar Ball stated that he was "going to make him [LiAngelo] way better for the draft that UCLA ever could have" and that they were exploring other options.
As a result of his withdrawal, Ball became ineligible for further NCAA competition. He signed with Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) on December 11, 2017, alongside his younger brother LaMelo, who had also withdrawn from high school earlier. The decision to leave UCLA marked the end of what was supposed to be a long and successful association with the Ball brothers, as all three brothers had initially committed to attending the university.
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UCLA's basketball rivalry with Arizona
UCLA and the University of Arizona Wildcats have had a basketball rivalry since the first games they played against each other in 1923. However, the rivalry only truly intensified when Arizona joined the Pac-10 in 1978, and even more so when Lute Olson became Arizona's coach in 1984. Before Olson, UCLA had a dominant record against Arizona, winning 21 out of 24 games. Since the mid-1980s, the two schools have competed annually for the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) Championship, with the two teams combining to win 23 out of 31 conference titles and 9 out of 18 conference tournament titles. Arizona won their first conference title in 1986, defeating UCLA on the road.
The UCLA-Arizona basketball rivalry is considered the match-up between the two premier teams in the conference, with the performance of the two schools influencing the national opinion of the conference. The rivalry has been described as "one of the best in college basketball", with icons of the game having played a part in its development. The teams have faced each other 113 times, with UCLA leading the head-to-head 63-50.
In 2023, Arizona moved to the Big 12 Conference, and UCLA moved to the Big Ten Conference, leading to speculation about the future of the rivalry. However, the two teams agreed to play a three-game series in neutral locations. The rivalry continued with a highly anticipated matchup at the Footprint Center in Phoenix in December 2024, as part of the Hall of Fame Series. The series also includes games in Las Vegas in 2025 and Los Angeles in 2027.
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UCLA's 47-game winning streak in 1968
The game featured a thrilling showdown between the AP Poll's No. 1 UCLA Bruins and the No. 2 Houston Cougars, with both teams entering the contest undefeated since their last meeting. UCLA's star player, Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), was a pivotal figure in the buildup to the game. Alcindor, a talented 7-foot-2 player, had been credited with reviving interest in college basketball, and his presence added to the allure of the event. However, he entered the game with an injured eye, having been hospitalized the previous week for a scratched cornea.
Despite Alcindor's injury, the game lived up to its billing as the "Game of the Century." The first half concluded with the Cougars holding a slender three-point lead. The second half intensified the rivalry, particularly between Alcindor and Houston's Elvin Hayes, a 6-foot-9 forward. Hayes blocked three of Alcindor's shots, thrilling the crowd and earning roars of his nickname, "Big E." With two minutes left, the game was tied at 69 after Lucius Allen of UCLA made a pair of free throws. In a dramatic finish, Hayes was fouled and scored two free throws himself, securing a 71-69 victory for the Cougars and ending UCLA's impressive winning streak.
Despite the loss, UCLA bounced back strongly for the remainder of the 1968 season. They avenged their defeat to Houston in the NCAA Tournament semifinals, crushing the Cougars 101-69. The Bruins then defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 78-55 to claim the 1968 NCAA title. UCLA's success in 1968, including their 47-game winning streak, played a pivotal role in establishing college basketball as a prominent sport on television, setting the stage for the modern "March Madness" phenomenon.
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The outspoken behaviour of Lonzo Ball's father, LaVar Ball
LaVar Ball, the father of former UCLA basketball players Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball, has been described as a charismatic, outspoken, and erratic figure in the sports world. His behaviour and outlandish remarks have drawn both praise and criticism from the media and the public.
LaVar has been dedicated to the success of his sons, and his work has paid off. Lonzo was drafted second overall out of UCLA by the Lakers and has earned over $100 million in seven years. LaMelo, the youngest, won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and became an All-Star, earning over $70 million in his career so far. LaVar also co-founded the Big Baller Brand, which launched signature shoes for the Ball brothers and made headlines with its ambitious $3 billion price tag for a deal with major sneaker companies.
However, LaVar's outspoken nature has also led to controversy. He has made bold proclamations, such as claiming he could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one, and his decisions regarding the professional careers of his sons have been questioned. For example, LaVar removed LiAngelo from UCLA after he was accused of shoplifting in China, stating that he would "make him way better for the draft that UCLA ever could have." LaVar also established the JBA (Junior Basketball Association), which has been criticised for pulling talented young players away from college basketball and towards a league with no guarantees of success. Despite this, LaVar promised failed JBA players jobs at his Big Baller Brand company.
LaVar Ball's larger-than-life personality and outspoken behaviour have certainly left an impact on the sports world, and his dedication to his sons' success has helped them achieve their dreams.
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UCLA's 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament participation
UCLA has a rich history in basketball, with 11 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament wins. In 2015, the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team participated in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament as an 11th seed in the South Region. This participation marked the team's second year under head coach Steve Alford, who replaced Ben Howland in 2013. The team's selection was controversial, but they managed to upset the 6th seed SMU with a game-winning goaltending call. The UCLA Bruins then defeated the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, a team that had upset the 3rd seed Iowa State in the previous round. However, UCLA's run ended in the Sweet Sixteen, where they lost to Gonzaga.
The 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was marked by several upsets in the round of 64, with most of the upsets coming from the Big 12 conference. The tournament also witnessed the continuation of a 26-year streak of consecutive tournament appearances by Kansas, dating back to 1990. Additionally, for the first time, two schools from the State University of New York system, Buffalo and Albany, reached the Division I tournament in the same year.
UCLA's 2015 tournament run was also notable due to the national media attention garnered by freshman point guard Lonzo Ball and his father, LaVar Ball. LaVar's outspoken behaviour became a topic of interest, and Lonzo's brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, also gained attention for their basketball prospects. However, LiAngelo's time at UCLA was cut short due to a shoplifting incident in China, resulting in his suspension and subsequent withdrawal from the university. Despite this setback, the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team has continued to be a prominent force in college basketball, with a history of producing talented players and achieving tournament success.
The UCLA Bruins men's basketball team has a long and storied history, with numerous achievements and setbacks. The team has experienced success under various coaches, including John Wooden, who transformed UCLA into a national basketball powerhouse. The Bruins have also faced challenges, such as a probation period in the 1950s and player scandals, but they have consistently rebounded and maintained their reputation as a premier basketball program. The 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament participation showcased the team's resilience and competitiveness, contributing to the legacy of UCLA basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
No, LiAngelo Ball did not return to the UCLA men’s basketball team or to UCLA as a student after he was accused of shoplifting in China and suspended indefinitely from the team.
Yes, Lonzo Ball played for UCLA basketball as a freshman point guard.
No, LaMelo Ball did not start for UCLA basketball. He and his brother, LiAngelo, explored options to play internationally after being pulled out of UCLA by their father, LaVar Ball.
No, LaVar Ball is the father of LiAngelo, LaMelo, and Lonzo Ball. LaVar Ball is known for his outspoken behavior and for pulling his sons out of UCLA.
Lonzo Ball is the only Ball brother who played for UCLA basketball.
