Storyline: Ben Simmons has superstar potential–extreme versatility and quickness, controlled pace, exceptional defense, high rebounding and passing IQ, and a consistent lefty stroke. Talk about Simmons is guaranteed to be nonstop until he puts pen to paper on his rookie contract. Written by Taylor Odenat. Follow Taylor on Twitter @TDSSports
Phenom prospects, players who display extraordinary skill and talent to drastically alter the fate of a franchise, don’t come around often. Consider players like Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, and Andrew Wiggins, all lottery selections. Anthony Davis is a once-in-a-generation player at his position; Damian Lillard is an All Star and clutch playoff performer; and Andrew Wiggins heads a young Minnesota squad with loads of potential.
In June 2016, LSU forward Ben Simmons could add to that list–if he continues dazzling basketball fans, announcers, and coaches.
Courtesy: smh.com.au
Ben Simmons was born out in Melbourne, Australia. For years he has been publicized as the No.1 overall prospect in the 2015 recruiting class. Scouts foresaw stardom. His basketball IQ and court awareness are high on a long list of abilities. Many analysts have gone as far to compare the Aussie to Lebron James. Both players possess elite vision and have superb knowledge of the game. Consider this reference made on ESPN’s Mike and Mike: “This kid is going to be the next Lebron.” While some may believe this to be a stretch, the remark may not be far-fetched.
While James is a player of great stature, the two share similarities. Both players defend efficiently, rebound effortlessly, and run the fast break with ease and at their own pace. Neither has a set position. They are productive, regardless of where they play on the court: passing, shooting, and defending capabilities allow both players to line up from point guard to center.
Granted, Simmons has only played a half-season for LSU. But, in those few games, Simmons has averaged 19.4 points to go along with 12.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists topped off by a super efficient 55 % from the field. Recently, Simmons was able to hold his own against another top-ranked freshman, 6’10 post-player, Henry Ellenson. In a loss to Marquette, Simmons dropped a near triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 20 rebounds and 7 assists.
Along with his on-court superstar potential, Simmons’ approach to college may revise the way high school players pick schools to attend. Simmons chose LSU, a college not known for pushing out All Stars and NBA Champions. He bypassed powerhouses Kentucky, Duke, and UNC to join forces with a university that hasn’t seen one of its players drafted in the lottery since Anthony Randolph was selected in the 2008 NBA Draft. By electing to attend LSU, Simmons showed aspiring athletes that going to a lesser-known school might be a better situation for them.
Simmons has superstar potential with extreme versatility and quickness, controlled pace, exceptional defense, high rebounding and passing IQ, and a consistent lefty stroke. Talk about this Australian is guaranteed to be nonstop until he puts pen to paper on his rookie contract.
