- Ben Simmons has declined Australian national team calls five times in the past
- Despite this, Simmons has said that he will participate in the 2024 Olympics
- He had promised 5 times in the past but withdrew in the end
Ben Simmons, the Australian basketball sensation, has been at the center of a swirling debate regarding his participation in the national team. Having declined opportunities to play for Australia on five different occasions, Simmons has now pledged to don the green and gold jersey in the 2024 Olympic Games.
In the lead-up to the 2016 Olympics, Simmons was named to the Australian squad, raising hopes of a prominent international debut. However, he withdrew from the team due to a desire to focus on his NBA career. This marked the beginning of a series of missed chances to represent his country on the global stage.
Subsequently, Simmons’ commitment wavered as he declined participation in the 2020 Olympics, the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and even the 2019 Showcase game against Team USA.
Despite the repeated refusals, he often mentioned the “good chance” of his participation or expressed his intent to represent Australia when the time was right.
The turning point came when Simmons, in a surprising move, affirmed his commitment to play for Australia in the 2024 Olympics. This declaration has rekindled hopes that the talented point guard will finally showcase his skills in the international arena, uniting with fellow Australian stars to make a mark on the world stage.
When Was The Last Time Ben Simmons Played For Australia?
In the realm of international basketball, the absence of Ben Simmons from the Australian national team in recent years has left fans wondering about his participation and the last time he donned the green and gold jersey.
The most recent instance of Simmons gracing the court for his homeland dates back to the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship. During this tournament, Simmons showcased his emerging talents as a young and promising player.
His contributions were instrumental in helping Australia secure victory in a two-legged series against New Zealand, earning a coveted spot in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
However, since that time, Simmons’ appearances in international competitions representing Australia have been notably absent.
Despite his unquestionable prowess and the anticipation surrounding his involvement, Simmons has not participated in subsequent major international tournaments, such as the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, and other qualifying events.
Fans and basketball enthusiasts have eagerly awaited Simmons’ return to the national team, especially during marquee events like the Olympics and the FIBA World Cup. While Simmons has consistently expressed his desire to represent Australia, circumstances and various factors have led to his absence in recent tournaments.
Ben Simmons Says He Is 100% Ready For The 2023-24 NBA Season
After a challenging couple of seasons filled with ups and downs, Ben Simmons is gearing up for a triumphant return to the NBA court.
The 27-year-old athlete, who experienced a roller-coaster journey with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets, recently revealed his excitement about the upcoming 2023-24 season and his aspirations to make a comeback on the international stage.
Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has had his fair share of obstacles and transitions. Traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden in 2022, he had to navigate knee and back injuries that limited his appearances to just 42 games with the Nets.
However, Simmons took advantage of the offseason to undergo intensive training and rehabilitation in Miami, leaving him feeling confident and ready to reclaim his All-Star-level performance.
Speaking to Andscape’s Marc Spears, Simmons exuded enthusiasm, stating, “I know I can do it… I don’t intend to come back the same player.”
He’s not looking to merely match his previous standards, as he expressed a strong desire to dominate on the court and elevate his game to new heights.
Simmons’ past season with the Nets was not reflective of his true abilities due to his physical struggles. Battling lower back pain from a herniated disk, he underwent back surgery in April 2022. Reflecting on his state at that time, he commented, “I don’t think people realize how bad it was… But I feel I’m at 100 percent now.”
Despite facing challenges on and off the court, Simmons maintains a positive attitude towards his career and his past experiences. He expressed a deep attachment to Philadelphia, the city where he began his NBA journey. Even amidst trade requests and financial disputes, Simmons has a “love for Philly” and views it as a second home.
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