Philly’s ‘little Oz’ is a boon for big Ben
SURROUNDING himself with AFL footballers, family members and Australian cafes has NBA export Ben Simmons feeling right at home in Philadelphia.
Simmons revealed that an Aussie nest he’s created in the city of brotherly love has been a driving force behind his sensational rookie NBA season with the 76ers.
The 21-year-old is in no immediate danger of homesickness, having relocated mother Julie, father Dave and brother Sean to live in Philadelphia while he finds his groove on basketball’s biggest stage.
The big move has paid dividends for the 208cm point guard, with his per-game average of 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists leading the once cellar-dwelling 76ers to a 13-11 record.
After growing up in Newcastle and Melbourne, Simmons moved to the US to attend high school in Florida at Montverde Academy, before spending a college year at Louisiana State University.
But since being taken by the Sixers as the No.1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons is eyeing a longterm NBA career with his family by his side.
“It’s a huge help, having my brother Sean and my parents over here,” Simmons said.
“(Sean) is kind of like my assistant, so anything I need I go through him.
“And my parents – it’s always good to have your parents around for support, or if I feel like a home-cooked meal.
“Whatever it is, they’re right there for me.”
He’s also enjoyed visits from friends made during his years at Box Hill Senior Secondary College, including close mate Christian Petracca, a midfielder for the Melbourne Demons.
“Yeah, I’ve had a few friends come over, a few friends I went to high school with back home,” Simmons said.
“Christian Petracca was actually out here for a little bit.”
The entourage’s meeting place is Bluestone Lane, a boutique Melbourne café chain with stores across the US where the Simmons clan have been getting their fix of quality Australian coffee.
Simmons has a downtown apartment not far from the 76ers’ court at Wells Fargo Centre.
“Philadelphia is a great city; I love living here,” he said, “people are great, the food is great.
“After moving from Australia, basketball and football are huge here and footy is big back home so that’s something that’s similar.
“But the biggest difference is just the people.
“Aussies are much more laid-back.”