The #1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, now that the word is out everywhere, will hail from…..LSU? Yes, really. The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly made it known to their new franchise player. The intrigue is over, sorry (no, we’re not really sorry) ESPN, if this hurts your ratings for NBA Draft night. We have Ben Simmons is the next big thing in basketball; the next Anthony Davis, Andrew Wiggins, Jahlil Okafor style player who has NBA scouts salivating.
Part of what makes Simmons special is that he’s a leader, not a follower. His individualistic streak is a big reason he choose Louisiana State.
https://twitter.com/nbcprobballtalk/status/745345443207360512
“If you’re born in America, you’re looking at Kentucky, Duke, and you’re more likely to pick a school like that,” said the Australian born Ben Simmons.
“But for me, I’m more of an individual type of guy and I want to pick a school where I feel comfortable.”
LSU does have a rich tradition though; if you go back a ways. They did make a Final Four in 2006, and boast two of the game’s best ever players in Shaquille O’Neal (who reached out to Ben Simmons and congratulated him after he made the decision) and Pistol Pete Maravich. Also, LSU has the second most SEC basketball titles all-time (behind Kentucky obviously).
ESPN College Hoops and International Draft expert Fran Fraschilla discussed the 2016 NBA Draft on a media conference call, and here below are transcripts of some of the highlights of the Ben Simmons discussion, via an ESPN release.
“Simmons is as good a passer as you will ever see from a 6-10 guy. And I know; I’m old enough to go back Magic. The kid is gifted. He’s as good a passer as there is, and he makes your team automatically faster because of his ability to rebound and not outlet it, but push it.”
“There’s things about Ben Simmons that have to be figured out in interviews, and he’s only going to interview for one or two teams anyway and the team is going to have to decide what to do.
“But by and large, Ben is obviously locked in at one or two, barring an injury. His camp will go from there.”
Here’s why we have Ben Simmons going first to Philly in our latest 2016 NBA Mock draft:
1. Philadelphia 76ers -Ben Simmons, F, LSU, 6-10, Fr.
There will be Simmons and Brandon Ingram debates up until draft night but Simmons is the clear cut number one pick in my opinion. The Aussie is an extremely versatile offensive weapon who ultimately plays a point forward type role. Add him to a young frontcourt of Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid (if he ever gets healthy) and Philly adds a huge piece to their ever-struggling and elongated rebuilding project. Go here for more on Ben Simmons
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram