Ben Simmons won’t be going to the Rio Olympics

HE’S the most naturally gifted basketballer we’ve got, but there’s one reason we won’t be seeing Ben Simmons at the Rio Olympics.

LEXINGTON, KY - MARCH 05: Ben Simmons #25 of the LSU Tigers dribbles the ball in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on March 5, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

AUSSIE basketball sensation Ben Simmons won’t play for Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The gun 19-year-old reportedly told officials on Friday (US time) he wanted to concentrate on preparing for the upcoming NBA draft, in which he is expected to go as the number one pick.

ESPN’s Chris Broussard quoted Simmons’ agent Rich Paul as saying the Olympic preparation clashed with NBA development games, which is why he’s opting out of representing the Boomers.

“Ben Simmons will postpone playing with the Australian Olympic team this summer in order to concentrate fully on his NBA activities following the upcoming 2016 NBA draft,’’ Paul said in a statement.

“Australian Olympic Team training and competition takes place at the same time as the various NBA summer development programs, and therefore, Ben will look forward to his national team participation at some time later in his career.’’

The teenager was part of an extended Olympic squad announced by Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis in March, but even then there was uncertainty surrounding his availability for the Games.

It means he’ll miss the chance to play with fellow Aussies already established in the NBA like Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors, Matthew Dellavedova from the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the San Antonio Spurs’ Patty Mills.

While his decision is not exactly a huge surprise, some fans were still left disappointed by Simmons’ course of action.

What do you think about Ben Simmons call not to go to Rio? I can see both sides but massively disappointed.

— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) April 8, 2016

Disappointed that we won't be seeing Ben Simmons in the Olympics. Would've been a nice Australian team to watch.

— Kevin O'Brien (@Kevobrien7) April 8, 2016

Very disappointing Ben Simmons has snubbed the national team for the Olympics. Could have been our best ever team, but still might be.

— Nick Quinn (@Quinny_1) April 8, 2016

@FoxBasketball @Aussies_Abroad incredibly disappointing from @BenSimmons25 playing for country should be number 1

— Ted Sussex (@Teddler) April 8, 2016

Playing for Louisiana State University (LSU), Simmons was the most talked-about player on the college basketball scene. The comparisons with LeBron James only intensified after he signed with the Cavaliers player’s agency, and commercial sponsors have been quick to recognise Simmons’ potential, with Nike reportedly considering offering him a $US100 million sneaker deal.

LSU had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the recent NCAA March Madness tournament recently won by the Villanova Wildcats. Still, in a mediocre campaign, the lanky Australian shone.

He averaged more than 19 points a game for the Tigers, as well as 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists. His all-round brilliance is what’s made him so appealing to NBA franchises, with Jonathan Wasserman of the Bleacher Report suggesting Simmons will be snared with the first pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.

It’s no guarantee he’ll go first though, with Duke’s Brandon Ingram another realistic prospect who did his own chances no harm with an impressive post-season tournament.

According to Broussard, Simmons has told Australian officials he still hopes to play for the Boomers in the future.

Originally published as Ben Simmons won’t be going to the Rio Olympics