UCLA vs Kentucky is Lonzo Ball’s chance to prove himself to doubters

If you needed another reason to watch UCLA vs Kentucky, let Lonzo Ball’s NBA potential be your best one.

Out of all of the NBA prospects whose hopes of playing professionally hang on their draft stock, Lonzo Ball stands alone. The star UCLA point guard has his Bruins in the Sweet 16 with a match up against Kentucky ahead of them.

If they win, great. Another Elite Eight appearance for one of the most decorated programs in college hoops doesn’t hurt. More importantly, though, it gives the freshman confidence in his game we have yet to see.

Sure, LaVar Ball can have as much small talk as he wants. As a father, he’s obviously proud of how far Lonzo has come and that he’s the first of three boys to be put on the map.

But what really matters is what Ball produces on the floor. Scouts will consider his father’s loud mouth, but ultimately that doesn’t matter.

Teams want to know what a point guard like Ball can do for them. One of those teams, ironically, is the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball could end up being their long-term solution at point guard, depending on how D’Angelo Russell performs at shooting guard.

Before getting ahead of that argument, Ball needs to show he can play well — win or lose. Kentucky is always a challenge in March, and John Calipari’s squad doesn’t look like they’ll be hitting the brakes.

Revenge will be on the line as well in their match up. Ball’s Bruins got the best of the Wildcats in their regular season clash, but things can change.

When thinking of what Lonzo should aim for, expectations will vary no matter what. Safe numbers, though, would be double digits in points, five or more rebounds, and eight or more assists.

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It’ll show he can compete and is a complete player against some of the best opposition out there.