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 single college season at LSU, where he earned All-American honors, he was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. Simmons missed his first season due to injury but was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned three All-Star selections. A holdout from the 76ers following the 2020-21 season that led to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets resulted in him becoming the most-fined player in NBA history in terms of total financial loss.

Sections (5)

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

1989: Father's Professional Basketball Career

In 1989, Ben Simmons' father started his professional basketball career with the Melbourne Tigers in Australia's National Basketball League.

July 1996: Ben Simmons Born

In July 1996, Benjamin David Simmons was born. He is an Australian professional basketball player.

2011: Played in Australian Schools Championships

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

2012: Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship and FIBA

In 2012, Ben Simmons took up a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport and represented Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship.

January 2013: Move 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.

October 2013: Committed to Louisiana State University

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

November 2014: Signed National Letter of Intent with LSU

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

June 2016: Cousin Killed in Hit-and-Run

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

November 2016: Showtime Documentary Film Appearance

In November 2016, Ben Simmons was featured in the Showtime documentary film One & Done, which provided insight into his time as a one-and-done college player. It also explored his and his family's thoughts on the NCAA and the NBA's "one and done" rule.

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