Outside of freshman star Ben Simmons' stellar season, it was an overall disappointing year for the LSU basketball team. Simmons felt that one year was enough, as it was announced on Monday that he has hired an agent and will enter June's NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-10 star averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this past season. Despite that effort, the Tigers finished 19-14 overall, 11-7 in the SEC, and failed to make the NCAA tournament. The team would then decline an invitation to the NIT tournament.
Simmons was the only player to average over 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, living up to the pre-season expectations as the top freshman in the country. He is expected to be taken first or second overall on June 23rd. The only player challenging Simmons for the top pick is Duke freshman Brandon Ingram.
For most of the season, the freshman was listed as a favorite for the Wooden Award, but was not eligible to be one of the 15 finalists due to academic-related reasons. The school did not certify him as a candidate, stating that Simmons "did not have the necessary criteria to be eligible."
After an excellent season that was surrounded by disappointment, Simmons is now taking his talents to the next level. The only debate is, after one strange season at LSU, is he ready for NBA competition?
The 6-foot-10 star averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this past season. Despite that effort, the Tigers finished 19-14 overall, 11-7 in the SEC, and failed to make the NCAA tournament. The team would then decline an invitation to the NIT tournament.
Simmons was the only player to average over 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, living up to the pre-season expectations as the top freshman in the country. He is expected to be taken first or second overall on June 23rd. The only player challenging Simmons for the top pick is Duke freshman Brandon Ingram.
For most of the season, the freshman was listed as a favorite for the Wooden Award, but was not eligible to be one of the 15 finalists due to academic-related reasons. The school did not certify him as a candidate, stating that Simmons "did not have the necessary criteria to be eligible."
After an excellent season that was surrounded by disappointment, Simmons is now taking his talents to the next level. The only debate is, after one strange season at LSU, is he ready for NBA competition?
