NBA Draft 2017: Lonzo Ball claims that he has more to offer than Markelle Fultz

As the NBA Draft 2017 draws more attention to itself, Lonzo Ball made a bold claim about who should be the top pick.

UCLA’s season came to a screeching halt in the Sweet 16 against Kentucky. With that, their point guard, Lonzo Ball, declared for the NBA draft.

Alongside him will be a number of great college athletes. One worth noting who didn’t make the tournament is Washington Huskies point guard Markelle Fultz.

While Ball got more playoff experience and exposure, Fultz is considered by many to still be at the top of the list. Fultz put up a stat line of 23 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

The Huskies fell well short of any collegiate recognition as a team, but that didn’t stop Fultz from getting attention.

In an interview with ESPN, Lonzo Ball tried to make a clear distinction between Fultz and himself.

“I’m better than him.”
– Lonzo Ball

In ESPN’s mock draft, it was also noted that the combo of Fultz and Ball could go first and second. Ball’s claim isn’t great, especially if you compare their numbers.

For comparison, Ball’s stat line per night came out to 14 points, six rebounds, and 7.6 assists. The practical tie in rebounding and edge in assists speak to Ball’s ability to facilitate.

As for Fultz, the strength in his game seems to be the scoring point guard. That’s not to say who should be picked first, but those strengths speak differently to teams.

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There’s been more than enough hype on the Lakers potentially drafting Ball. It’s still a possibility, but that doesn’t mean he’ll save them single-handed or overnight.