LSU freshman Ben Simmons announces he'll enter the NBA draft
LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons, who led the Tigers in scoring, rebounds and assists this season, has decided to turn pro and relinquish his final three seasons of college eligibility.
''We knew that there was a great possibility that Ben would only be at LSU for one season,'' coach Johnny Jones said Monday.
''And if you are going to have a guy to do that, Ben was the perfect one because of how much of a team player he is. We are happy about the development that transpired during his time here and think he will continue to make great strides as he transitions into the NBA.''
Simmons, who initially announced his decision in an interview with ESPN, said he will soon hire an agent and enter the NBA draft, for which Simmons has been widely projected as the top overall pick.
Simmons, who grew up in Australia before moving to Florida for three years of high school at Montverde Academy, averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season with LSU.
''Ben was a tremendous teammate and a great competitor,'' Jones said. ''He brought a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm to our team and did an outstanding job of making those around him better. That's something that this team will benefit from as we go forward.''
LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons, who led the Tigers in scoring, rebounds and assists this season, has decided to turn pro and relinquish his final three seasons of college eligibility.
''We knew that there was a great possibility that Ben would only be at LSU for one season,'' coach Johnny Jones said Monday.
''And if you are going to have a guy to do that, Ben was the perfect one because of how much of a team player he is. We are happy about the development that transpired during his time here and think he will continue to make great strides as he transitions into the NBA.''
Simmons, who initially announced his decision in an interview with ESPN, said he will soon hire an agent and enter the NBA draft, for which Simmons has been widely projected as the top overall pick.
Simmons, who grew up in Australia before moving to Florida for three years of high school at Montverde Academy, averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season with LSU.
''Ben was a tremendous teammate and a great competitor,'' Jones said. ''He brought a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm to our team and did an outstanding job of making those around him better. That's something that this team will benefit from as we go forward.''
