Childhood and Education Journey of Ben Simmons in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ben Simmons, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. After a standout single season at LSU, he was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He missed his first season due to injury, later winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018 and becoming a three-time NBA All-Star. A holdout with the 76ers after the 2020-21 season and subsequent trade to the Brooklyn Nets has made Simmons the most fined player in NBA history based on total financial loss.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1989: Father joins Melbourne Tigers

In 1989, Ben Simmons' father, Dave Simmons, turned professional and joined the Melbourne Tigers in Australia's National Basketball League.

July 1996: Ben Simmons' birth

Ben Simmons was born on July 20, 1996. He is an Australian professional basketball player.

2011: Plays for Box Hill Senior Secondary College

In 2011, at the age of 15, Ben Simmons played basketball for Box Hill Senior Secondary College at the Australian Schools Championships.

2012: Scholarship and International Debut

In 2012, Ben Simmons took up a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport and made his first appearance in the United States at the Pangos All-American Camp. Also in 2012, he represented Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship.

January 2013: Moves to the U.S.

In January 2013, Ben Simmons moved to the U.S. to compete against boys of comparable size and athleticism and attended Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida.

April 2013: Wins High School National Tournament

In April 2013, Ben Simmons helped Montverde rally from a 16-point deficit to beat St Benedict's in the final of the High School National Tournament.

June 2013: Joins Bulleen Boomers

In June 2013, Ben Simmons returned to Melbourne and joined the Bulleen Boomers of the Big V competition.

October 2013: Commits to Louisiana State University

On October 14, 2013, Ben Simmons committed to Louisiana State University, choosing LSU over offers from Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke.

2013: Preseason Player of the Year

In 2013, Ben Simmons was named the SEC's Preseason Player of the Year, and earned Associated Press preseason All-America team honours.

2013: Junior Season at Montverde Academy

In the 2013-14 season, Ben Simmons returned to Montverde Academy for his junior season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Montverde finished the season with a 28-0 record, winning the High School National Tournament. Simmons earned MVP honors.

November 2014: Signs National Letter of Intent with LSU

In November 2014, Ben Simmons signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for LSU.

January 2015: McDonald's All-American Game Selection

In January 2015, Ben Simmons was named as a starter for the East team to compete in the McDonald's All-American Game.

March 2015: Wins Multiple National Player of the Year Awards

In March 2015, Ben Simmons was named the Morgan Wootten Award winner, the Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and the Gatorade National Player of the Year after leading his team to a 28-1 record.

November 2015: College Debut

In November 2015, Ben Simmons made his college debut in LSU's season opener, recording a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in a win over McNeese State.

2015: Wins Third Consecutive High School National Tournament

In 2015, Ben Simmons led Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title and earned MVP honors. He also competed in the Nike Hoop Summit.

June 2016: Cousin killed in hit-and-run

On 25 June 2016, Ben Simmons' cousin, who had attended the 2016 NBA draft, was killed in a hit-and-run in New Jersey.

September 2018: Simmons begins working to improve his shooting

In September 2018, Ben Simmons began working with his brother Liam Tribe-Simmons to improve his shooting during the off-season, and planned to continue this throughout the season.