NBA Draft 2017: Lonzo Ball says 'I'm better than Markelle Fultz'

UCLA standout Lonzo Ball reckons he is better than fellow point guard Markelle Fultz, the potential No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. The likes of Ball, Fultz (Washington), De'Aaron Fox (Kentucky), Frank Ntilikina (France) and Dennis Smith (North Carolina) headline a point guard-heavy draft class that is being tipped as the best since in 2003.

Ball, Fultz and Kansas guard/forward Josh Jackson are currently in the running for the No. 1 overall pick. According to reputed scouts, all three players are worthy of a top draft selection and bring different skillets to the table. But Ball isn't afraid to proclaim himself as the best player in the draft class. "Markelle's a great player, but I feel I'm better than him. 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," Ball told ESPN 710 LA in an interview.

NBA Draft 2017: Lonzo Ball vs Markelle Fultz

While Fultz has drawn comparisons with score-first point guards such as Los Angeles Lakers' D'Angelo Russell and Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Kyrie Irving, Ball is an old school floor general, the likes of which are nearly non-existent in the modern NBA. While Ball doesn't bring elite ball-handling or shooting ability, he affects games with assists, rebounds and the unique ability to improve his teammates.

In recent weeks, Ball's outspoken father, LaVar Ball, has made the news for the wrong reasons. However, a few front office executives told USA Today that Ball's draft stock won't be affected by his boastful father. "(Lonzo Ball's) His draft stock won’t be harmed by his father’s controversial style. As one general manager put it, and many other executives confirmed in various forms when consulted on the matter, “No one’s paying attention to Ball’s father.”

The report quoted another front office executive said who showered praise on the UCLA star. “Lonzo Ball is a game changer with his skill set and ability to make plays (that) one can’t teach. He makes your team better once he gets on the floor. His instincts and ability to push the ball up the floor with a pass first mentality is something a coach can’t teach.”

Lonzo Ball averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists in his one-and-done season at UCLA. In comparison, Markelle Fultz averaged 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game for a Washington Huskies team that finished with a 9-22 record and 2-16 in Pac-12 competition.