Ben Simmons’ high school coach and mentor Kevin Goorjian thinks the 21-year-old will become “one of the greats” in the NBA.
Simmons was the number one draft pick in 2016 and was today named the NBA Rookie of the Year at the NBA Awards.
The Philadelphia 76ers superstar has made a stunning start to his career, and his former coach believes Simmons' future could be historic.
“I think he’ll be one of the greats – one of the greats of all time,” Goorjian told SEN Afternoons.
“There’s no doubt about it.”
Goorjian was privileged to mentor Simmons throughout his high school career and saw the rise of one of Australia’s greatest athletes.
“He was wired to play the game,” Goorjian said.
“I hadn’t seen anything like this.
“That young and that good with the ball … and just a fluent athlete.
“It was just so amazing to see him move on the floor.”
Simmons had undoubted talent from a young age and Goorjian said his domination in the NBA has only just begun.
“He just keeps getting better and better,” he said.
“The great thing is he makes all those guys around him better.”
While there has been some criticism surrounding Simmons’ shooting ability, Goorjian isn’t concerned by that facet of his game.
“I think he’s going to become a very good shooter,” Goorjian said.
“I just think it’s going to take time.”
Excitingly for Australia, Goorjian is “100 percent” sure Simmons will compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.
“He’ll be at the next Olympics, that’s for sure,” he said.
“He’s committed to that team and when he’s available he’ll be wearing (the green and gold), and that’s exciting.”
Simmons is the first Australian to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Listen to Kevin Goorjian’s full comments regarding Ben Simmons when he spoke on SEN Afternoons: