Six years and three seasons of the Ball family and UCLA. That was the plan.
From the time Lonzo Ball committed to UCLA on Jan. 8, 2014, until LaMelo Ball left after his one-and-done season in the spring of 2020. That was the expected timeline.
It was supposed to be a fruitful relationship for both sides, with UCLA getting three talented players -- including at least one NBA lottery pick and future star -- and the Ball family boosting its profile by sending three sons to one of college basketball's most historic programs for one season each.