Childhood and Education Journey of Ben Simmons in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 18, 2026

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 who was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016 after a single college season with LSU. Sidelined by injury his first year, he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and became a three-time NBA All-Star with the 76ers. Following a holdout after the 2020-21 season, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. After a buyout by the Nets, Simmons joined the Los Angeles Clippers.

Sections (5)

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

1989: Father played for the Melbourne Tigers

In 1989, Dave Simmons, Ben Simmons' father, played professionally for the Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League (NBL).

July 1996: Birth of Ben Simmons

In July 1996, Benjamin David Simmons was born. He would go on to become a professional basketball player.

July 20, 1996: Ben Simmons was born

On July 20, 1996, Ben Simmons was born in Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne, to Julie and Dave Simmons. His father played basketball professionally.

2011: Played 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 First U.S. Appearance

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. He also represented Australia at the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championship.

January 2013: Moved to the U.S.

In January 2013, Ben Simmons moved to the U.S. and attended Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida.

October 2013: Committed to Louisiana State University

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

November 2014: Signed National Letter of Intent with LSU

On 12 November 2014, Ben Simmons signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for LSU.

June 2016: Cousin Killed in Hit-and-Run

In June 2016, 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: Featured in Showtime documentary

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

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