Hoops

Ben Simmons to miss U19 World Champs

Simmons is a one-and-done player, what if he wants to be at LSU a bit longer since he only has one year there - make the most out of his time there. He'll have plenty of time to play for Australia, let the kid make the decision that he feels is best for him.


Hate to break it to you but college doesn't start till fall, the camps during the school break so too the worlds, so that point is mute, lol
Why won't people just accept this kid is making excuses , and you have to ask why.....not one answer is favourable

He's playing high school basketball

I'd say above post is probably spot on

I can see both sides of people's opinions but the big thing for me is when players are happy to receive a leg up from Basketball Australia or the CoE and then when they're asked to give back refuse to do so. I'm not saying Simmons is doing that directly as I'm pretty sure he went to the states instead of accepting an offer to the CoE, but he has also received benefits associated with Aussie basketball programs which would have assisted greatly with his development.

In saying that, we're all on the outside looking in. As for the Sudanese kid, I don't think he'll pull on the green and gold ever.

What's the 1 yr college rule as it didn't apply to Exum did it?

When has he represented his country......he's represented himself, you sound more like his parent or agent lol.
As always just like any comp, you don't have all your best p,ayers in the one team so too the American high school system, so he may be getting 28points playing against his own age and younger, put him up against a whole group of players who are also the strongest individually in their respective high school teams and you may find it different story, ....you may not but if he doesn't do it then you'll never know.

Yes he may well have been included in the group, but was not and probably will not be part of final selection , SO to poi t out the obvious, he is still in high school, he is STILL quite able to compete at a world tournament for HIS age group, while he waits for his time to come. As do all the others who will be p,ahi g worlds. I'm quite sure if it's good enough for the Americans who are ranked the best in the world in ALL ages and genders, then a young 18yr old from Australia can also play without jeopardising his chance of selection to the senior ranks or his prep for college.

Well if they can't make the ONE camp which is what they will have for selection, which is actually during the college summer break, and then spend a couple of weeks at a per world and then worlds tournament also during the summer Hols in America is says a lot really. You can make all the excuses you like but it's poor form, or arrogance take your pick

Don't know of anyone else in the team Anon. I just know that Deng Adel is there as I am affiliated with his junior club Longhorns.

I can confirm Deng Adel is playing. He is in Canberra at the moment preparing for the world champs.

Thon Maker has previously said in interviews that he would love to represent Australia but the timing with studies and expenses to travel for trainings to prepare with the team doesn't fit in with his schedule. He doesn't want to rock up to WC without even knowing his team mates and having no chemistry.

I assume that is the same with Ben Simmons too, he can't be in Australia for the whole preparation and has bigger fish to fry at the moment with college coming up.

Got to remember these kids are still amateurs and not getting paid yet. Wait til they are pro. The future for Australian Basketball is extremely bright.

Exactly, and that's what I meant, why should a player who turns their nose up to represent their country get another opportunity, and at 17 if he's old enough to make the decisions where to play he's old enough to understand that it's a pri algae to represent your country not a RIGHT and lots of players would give up a lot to do so. Smacks of arrogance in my books.
Maker is a different case, he's NOT really Australian

Sorry but if Simmons can't take the time to play for his country at this age then he's really not worthy of a spot when older. Come on get real he's preparing for college, which does not start till after un19 worlds, in what way is that going to compromise his chances of an NBA draft pick in a couple of years. The Americans who will be p,acing at un19 worlds will certainly be going AND still getting ready for college, does Simmons think he's too good to p,at in his age group? Perhaps the Americans can show him he's not quite there YET.