Simmons scores All-Star honour

BEN Simmons has achieved something no other Australian has been able to match – being named an NBA All-Star.

After weeks of voting, Simmons, 22, finished equal third with Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, missing a starting role and meaning his fate came down to the NBA head coaches to select him as a reserve.

The coaches have spoken with the team announced yesterday and Simmons picked to make his All-Star debut.

The Aussie (pictured) was snubbed last year but was named as one of the reserves for the Eastern Conference team for the February 17 AllStar game.

Simmons has been in hot form this season, recording eight triple- doubles, and tied with Denver’s Nikola Joki for second in the NBA behind Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.

Simmons recently notched his 20th career triple-double in his 129th NBA game, second behind only Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.

The reigning NBA rookie of the year is close to a triple-double average for his career with 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game.

The Melbourne-born superstar said he was proud to represent Australia on the international stage every time he plays.

“Support from Australia means everything because just being Australian, every time I put on a jersey, I know I’m not only representing my family, but Australia,” he said.

“I also want to be the first Australian to be in the All-Star game, I think that would just be huge for Australian basketball. Not only for me but for little kids looking up to me. I think that would just be an amazing accomplishment.”