Lonzo Ball Reportedly Files Paperwork for 2017 NBA Draft, Hires Harrison Gaines

UCLA Bruins star Lonzo Ball will enter the 2017 NBA draft and hire agent Harrison Gaines, The Vertical's Shams Charania reported Thursday.

By hiring an agent, Ball will be unable to return to college and retain his eligibility.

In addition to sorting out his NBA future, Charania reported Ball and Gaines may begin pursuing a shoe deal that would encompass Big Baller Brand, Ball's family business.

Ball's decision comes as little surprise. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman ranked the freshman guard as the No. 3 player in the 2017 draft class behind Markelle Fultz and Justin Jackson in his most recent big board.

"Still, his floor leadership remains second to none and could wind up holding more value than a high scoring average," Wasserman wrote of Ball. "He's the only prospect who has the potential to quickly raise a team's offensive efficiency by improving its quality of shots taken."

In his one season with UCLA, Ball averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. He shot 55.1 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three-point range. He helped the Bruins reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, where they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats.

For more news, rumors and related stories about Lonzo Ball, the UCLA Bruins and college basketball, check out the college basketball and UCLA streams on Bleacher Report's app.