LaMelo Ball's professional hoops career is taking a pause ... because the youngest Ball brother is returning to high school basketball, having been accepted at a super exclusive prep school.
Ball just announced he will enroll at Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio, a school that boasts state-of-the-art facilities also used in training the US Olympic team.
We know what you're thinking -- according to Jake Weingarten, Melo was never paid during his time as a pro, so he never lost his eligibility ... apparently, that makes it okay for Ball to suit up starting November 13.