Watch: Highlights from LaMelo, LiAngelo's debuts in Lithuania
The professional careers of Big Baller Brand's LaMelo and LiAngelo Ball officially got underway Tuesday with their debuts as members of BC Vytautas.
The two drew huge numbers online during a Facebook stream of the team's game against BC Zalgiris, with as many as 120,000 viewers tuning in at once.
Tuesday marked the first of five exhibition matchups as part of the "Big Baller Brand Challenge," which ends on Jan. 28 versus BC Jonava. The games are designed to bring more exposure to the Ball brothers, with Vytautas going as far as withdrawing from the Baltic Basketball League to participate in the challenge.
It was clear out of the gate that BBB branding would be front and center with the logo prominently displayed on the hardwood. The officials calling the game were also wearing the logo on their backs.
Gelo Ball warming up on the BBB court in Lithuania 🚨 @LiAngeloBall pic.twitter.com/ef9kiw22Rn
— Overtime (@overtime) January 9, 2018
Check the refs. Hilarious. pic.twitter.com/Tijlr0uxVl
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) January 9, 2018
LaMelo was certainly eager to get his offense going upon entering the game as a reserve, taking a 3-pointer from well behind the arc on his first shot attempt that didn't hit the mark.
LaMelo’s first possession as a Lithuanian pro omg pic.twitter.com/Hw71VOaOad
— LaRob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) January 9, 2018
He did string together his fair share of nifty dimes as part of his performance, at least, with his flashiest coming in the first half, hitting a trailer with a no-look bounce pass.
LaMelo Ball’s first assist in the BBB Challenge. 🔥pic.twitter.com/zZo6OUZrj6
— MyNBAUpdate (@MyNBAUpdate) January 9, 2018
Speaking of layups, LiAngelo had a gimmie off a steal with no defenders around - it didn't fall in his favor.
LiAngelo just missed a breakaway layup
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) January 9, 2018
"He just missed a 100% opportunity on offense" lmao pic.twitter.com/947qU4NskI
At least he didn't botch all of his wide-open looks, throwing down this two-handed jam with the game all but wrapped up.
LiAngelo Ball with an open-court dunk. He's been playing well. pic.twitter.com/HVLWzJBPkh
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) January 9, 2018
This came soon after his younger brother had a scoop layup for the ages, albeit for all the wrong reasons.
LaMelo Ball with one of the worst layup attempts you'll ever see 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/jbpsrOR5fU
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) January 9, 2018
Vytautas held on for a 90-80 victory, with LiAngelo finishing with 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting. LaMelo just missed out on a double-double with 10 points and nine assists, although he did turn the rock over six times.