Markelle Fultz Talks Lonzo Ball Rivalry, Says He's Aiming to Be MVP as Rookie

University of Washington standout point guard Markelle Fultz doesn't just want to become the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. The Huskies star also said he plans to contend for the league's Most Valuable Player Award as a rookie.

The top prospect spoke with Sports Illustrated about that lofty goal, his family and the rivalry with UCLA guard Lonzo Ball, a fellow contender to come off the board first June 22:           

Fultz, Ball and University of Kansas forward Josh Jackson are the consensus top-three players heading into the draft process. 

Fultz and Ball went head-to-head during Pac-12 play this season, with the Bruins picking up a 107-66 victory in February thanks in part to a far more talented supporting cast. Fultz missed the second meeting between the teams because of a knee injury.

While some of the hype surrounding the UCLA playmaker has come from father LaVar Ball's outlandish comments, the younger Ball has expressed a more measured confidence about his ability. He spoke with ESPN 710 LA radio about the Fultz rivalry.

"Markelle's a great player, but I feel I'm better than him," he said. "I think I can lead a team better than him. Obviously, he's a great scorer—he's a great player, so I'm not taking that away from him."

Meanwhile, Fultz has expressed optimism he can succeed against the best players in the world. He explained his long-term outlook to Bleacher Report's Jason King:

"

When I was younger, trying to make the make the freshman and JV team, my dream was always to make it to the NBA. At first, I was thinking about just getting to the NBA, just watching the NBA, being one of the All-Stars in the NBA.

But I actually want to be the best to ever play this game. And I think I have a pretty good chance to do that.

"

His wide-ranging skill set allowed him to average 23.2 points, 5.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game as a freshman. Those numbers suggest he could develop into an NBA star, but being an immediate MVP candidate and potential GOAT is a stretch.

For now, his focus should be on putting together a strong set of workouts over the new few months to ensure he beats out Ball and Jackson to become the No. 1 pick.

For more news, rumors and related stories about Markelle Fultz, the National Basketball Association and the NBA draft, check out the NBA and college basketball streams on Bleacher Report's app.