LSU freshman Ben Simmons expectedly declared for the 2016 NBA Draft as he is expected to be selected no. 1 overall. Simmons will also be hiring an agent, which makes him formally ineligible to return to school.
As of now, Simmons is officially withdrawn from LSU and will be moving to Phoenix to solely preparing for the draft.
From Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv:
Ben Simmons has withdrawn from school officially and is moving to Phoenix until the NBA Draft, source tells @SNYtv
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 22, 2016
Simmons’ college career was cut short as LSU failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament and declined to participate in the NIT. Having the option to go back to school doesn’t matter for Simmons. He’s going to be drafted as a lottery pick. As of late the discussion about Simmons’ stock as a no. 1 pick has become more in question. Duke freshman Brandon Ingram is presenting his case as the Blue Devils have advanced into the Sweet 16.
In the meantime, Simmons will prepare to showcase his ability again at the draft combine, and then we’ll be able to speculate on which lottery teams will be eyeing him heavily come June.
