Ben Simmons has most likely played his final game for LSU. Photo taken from @bensimmons Instagram page.
Top NBA prospect Ben Simmons’ collegiate career has most likely come to a close, after Louisiana State University men’s basketball head coach Johnny Jones announced on Monday (Manila time) that they will not be participating in this year’s postseason tourney.
According to LSU’s official sports website lsu.net, the team has elected to skip the tournament in order to get ready for the upcoming season.
“We will be able to utilize this time to get better and start preparations for next season,” said Jones.
“We fell short of the mark of getting to the NCAA Tournament and I take full responsibility for this team, and will do the things necessary to make sure we are able to reach one of our main goals at LSU in the future,” he added.
The announcement came a day after LSU got blown out, 71-38, by the Texas A&M Aggies in the semi-finals of the SEC Men’s basketball tournament.
Meanwhile, the 19 year Simmons is still heavily touted as next year’s number one pick in the NBA draft, after leading his team in all five major categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
Even Hall of famer Magic Johnson had high praises for the 6’10 Australian forward, calling him the “best all-around player since LeBron James”.
“Underwhelming” final game
Despite putting up impressive averages during his freshman year, Simmons was subject of criticism after a lackluster showing during his last game against Texas A&M.
One frustrated fan took to Twitter to express his thoughts: This performance confirms LSU isn’t a tourney team. How do you have that talent and get blown out? Ben Simmons overrated! #sectourney
This performance confirms LSU isn’t a tourney team. How do you have that talent and get blown out? Ben Simmons overrated! #sectourney
— Fridge Holbrook (@Fridge1284) March 12, 2016
Another one took a shot at the freshman’s future draft stock: If I was an NBA team I would take Brandon Ingram over Ben Simmons, Simmons attitude and will to win aren’t very good
If I was an NBA team I would take Brandon Ingram over Ben Simmons, Simmons attitude and will to win aren’t very good — Barnes Broadway (@BEAST34RBB) March 12, 2016
Some even questioned if the player comparisons are actually legit: So is Ben Simmons still Magic/Lebron/Michael combined or maybe just a very good college player?#RhetoricalQuestion
So is Ben Simmons still Magic/Lebron/Michael combined or maybe just a very good college player?#RhetoricalQuestion
— MicheleGolfsALot (@ForeverBigBlue) March 12, 2016