Ben Simmons

Benjamin David Simmons, born on July 20, 1996, is a prominent Australian professional basketball player currently competing for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Simmons showcased his talent during a single season with the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, where he earned accolades as a consensus first-team All-American and was recognized as the USBWA National Freshman of the Year. His impressive performance led to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the 76ers.

After missing his initial season due to a right foot injury, Simmons made a remarkable comeback, clinching the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2018. He continued to build on his success, earning his first All-Star selection in 2019, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's elite players.

Simmons began his educational journey at Box Hill Senior Secondary College before relocating to the United States, where he attended Montverde Academy in Florida. His tenure at LSU, despite high hopes for the season, ended without an NCAA Tournament appearance, prompting his decision to enter the NBA draft. As a dual citizen of Australia and the United States, Simmons has also represented the Australian national team, carrying on a family legacy in basketball, following in the footsteps of his father, Dave, who played professionally in Australia.