Ben Simmons InterviewBy: Aran_Smith

6-foot-10 inch Australian Ben Simmons is considered by most as one of the top prospects in the high school ranks. He had a near triple double in the World team’s win over Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit. He flashed tremendous athleticism, explosiveness and versatility in front of numerous scouts and GMs on hand. While his shot could have been a little more consistent, most scouts came away extremely impressed with his upside. All he does is win, as he came over to the US as a sophomore and has led his team to three straight high school national championships. He really impressed with his polish and maturity when we sat down with him and is sure to impress teams during the interview process a year from now when he’s being considered for one of the top picks of the 2016 draft.

NBA Draft.net: Talk about how the event has gone so far. How has it been?

Ben Simmons: So far it’s been fun. Competing against guys from all over the world, and also having great coaches. Staff on board, so you know, and they’ve treated us really well. Besides practice, we’ve had a full recovery, ice, hot tubs, it’s been really good.

NBA Draft.net: What makes this event special in relation to other similar events?

Ben Simmons: I think this is the only event where you get the top 10 guys from around the world and you play against the top US guys. I think that just having guys from all over the world on one team and trying to play together, no matter the language barrier, that’s what’s most special.

NBA Draft.net: How important is it to get the win tomorrow?

Ben Simmons: For me it’s always important to win, you know. I think that kind of separetes each player if you are a winner or a loser. So I think that if you go into the game with the mentality that you want to win, then you’re going to win.

NBA Draft.net: Talk a little bit about all the scouts being here, is that added pressure, does that ever become nerve wracking?

Ben Simmons: For me I just try to focus on playing. But at the same time, it’s hard not to when you have all of the GMs sitting around watching. But I’m fine with it. I don’t really feel any nerves or anything, so it’s good.

NBA Draft.net: Describe your game for those that haven’t seen you before.

Ben Simmons: I’d say I’m a 6’10 guard. But can play 1 through 5, and can guard 1 through 5.

NBA Draft.net: Do you embrace the role of being a leader?

Ben Simmons: Definitely. That’s really important to me. Just being one of the older guys on my high school team I think helped me become a better leader. Just playing with every team, you have to have that one guy that can take over and tell everyone, this is what we need to do. I think it’s important that you have that guy.

NBA Draft.net: You’ve developed a rapport with Golden State Warriors center and fellow Aussie, Andrew Bogut. Is there any specific piece of advice that he’s given that has helped you out?

Ben Simmons: Just work hard, and keep the right people around you. So I have my family, which hasn’t changed. There are always going to be people that try to get their way into the family, but at the same time you just have to remember who’s been there for you.

NBA Draft.net: Is there an NBA guy that you sort of pattern your game after?

Ben Simmons: Not pattern, but I look at for advice and stuff like that, it would definitely be LeBron.

NBA Draft.net: You feel like your game resembles his to some degree?

Ben Simmons: A little bit, but at the same time he has his game, he’s strong. I’m not as strong, but I try to use my body in different ways.

NBA Draft.net: What kind of role do you envision yourself playing at LSU next year?

Ben Simmons: Definitly a point forward, so someone that can get the rebound and run the play or run the set. Give the team into whatever it needs to be.

NBA Draft.net: At what point did you realize that you could potentially have a pro career?

Ben Simmons: I think when I was 6. That’s was my goal. You know I had a little piece of paper, and I worte down I want to be an NBA player, and I’ve kept it ever since. I’ve had that til now since I was 6 years old.

NBA Draft.net: You held onto that huh?

Ben Simmons: Yeah, I’ve still got it. From that age I’ve always had the mentality that I want to play in the NBA.

NBA Draft.net: And what separates you from your peers, other prospects in your class?

Ben Simmons: I think for me, I’ve just focused on winning. And some guys are more focused on the individual accolades and points and stuff like that. But for me it’s just about winning. So if you win, all the other stuff is going to come.

NBA Draft.net: Have you made any changes to your diet to improve your conditioning?

Ben Simmons: Definitely, you know I changed it, probably a year ago. I went back home last summer just to be home in Australia. I was with my Dad’s old trainer, who trains me now and eating was the main thing that he talked to me about. So I changed. More steak and eggs, rice, and just made sure that I’m eating right and eating a lot.

NBA Draft.net: Cut out the fast food huh?

Ben Simmons: Definitely. You know I have some occasionally. But

NBA Draft.net: Soda?

Ben Simmons: Yeah that’s hard for me. I’m a big soda person. But at the same time I would rather have water.

NBA Draft.net: Half water, half juice is the way to go… Ok, one last thing, interests outside of basketball. Music? Movies? What are you into?

Ben Simmons: Movies, just relaxing. Whenever I have free time I’m usually just resting and recovering. Massage. Anything I can do to get my body right.

NBADraft.net: All set. Best of luck to you.