Big Baller Brand's League to Hold Tryouts, Lonzo Ball on Selection Committee

The Big Baller Brand-led Junior Basketball Association took another step in its developmental phase with the creation of a three-man selection committee and an advisory board that includes Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball. 

According to Slam magazine's Franklyn Calle, Ball will be joined by former Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson and former UCLA Bruins star Ed O'Bannon. Ball, Watson and O'Bannon "will assist the JBA in identifying and selecting players for its upcoming league."

Along with that, the JBA will have tryouts beginning April 7 in eight different cities to identify prospective players for the league.

LaVar Ball first announced last December his plans to start a new basketball league as an alternative for high school players who have NBA aspirations. Rather than going to college for a year, they could join the JBA, where they'd be able to collect a monthly salary.

Calle reported the JBA will also award luxury cars to members of the team that wins the championship at the end of the season.

"The JBA model is the first of its kind that will offer young athletes an opportunity to develop life skills management while participating in a high level of competition," Watson said of the league, per Calle. "I am thrilled to be a part of this innovative new league that will not only engage fans, but provide a professional alternative for young basketball players."

The idea of creating a competitor to the NCAA looks good on paper until one considers the logistical challenges of truly challenging college basketball.

There's a reason almost all of the best high school recruits go to college for at least one year rather than play professionally overseas before making the jump to the NBA. Playing in college offers the best showcase and stiffest competition for anybody who wants to have a pro career.

The ongoing FBI investigation into college basketball has led to deserved scrutiny of the NCAA and the college model as a whole. A successful developmental league such as the JBA would likely be a net benefit for athletes and the sport as a whole.

But that won't be achieved overnight, and the JBA will almost need multiple years before it can seriously present itself as an alternative route to the NBA.