BrandonClayScouting.com: Prospect Eval – Ben Simmons – August 21, 2014

After seeing Simmons dominate on multiple occasions, we believe he is one of the top players in the class of 2015.
Photo credit – Jon Lopez/Nike

By: @JLHemingwayPSB & @BrandonClayPSB

Ben Simmons – (Melbourne, AUS.) – Montverde – 2015
Height: 6’9″
Position: Power Forward
Committed College: LSU
Star Rating:

Date: January 19, 2015
Location: Hoop Hall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway

Simmons performed in the way we are accustomed of seeing from the No. 1 prospect in the country. He scored 36 points on 15-23 shooting. He added 9 rebounds in a win over Bishop Gorman. He is a great handler, has total control of the ball in the open court. When he gets around the rim, he finishes a very high percentage. He is a problem on the defensive end as he has feet to move up and down the floor easily to go with a long wingspan. His perimeter jumper is still the major question mark in his game.

Date: December 22, 2014
Location: City of Palms (Fort Myers, Fla.)
Evaluator: Brandon Clay

The respect Trinity had for Simmons was evident from the opening tip as they doubled him on every touch. He still went 6-for-11 from the field for 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four rebounds while playing all 32 minutes.

Date: December 20, 2014
Location: City of Palms (Fort Myers, Fla.)
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway

Simmons was spectacular in this match-up versus St. Francis (GA) here. Aside from everything they we have stated about Simmons before, what makes him truly unique is that he has great hands and feet. He moves very well up and down the floor, especially for a guy his size. At one point he hard hedged the ball screen without drawing a foul. Not every 6-8 guy can do that. In this game he scored the final six points of the game and dominated the last minute of the game on sheer will. He finished with 37 points, 18 rebounds on 13 of 24 shooting. He was 11 of 13 from the free throw line, which is notable considering his 3pt jumper has not been found at this point in his development. His outside shooting is the last piece that he will need to round out.

Date: July 17, 2014
Location: Nike EYBL Peach Jam (North Augusta, S.C.)
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway

With Jaylen Brown (GA-15) making a push to be considered the nation’s best player, Simmons seemed to make the case to stay atop of the national rankings. Particularly in a high profile match-up with CP3 – he dominated the game on both ends. His ability to score in the lane is documented, but impressively he controlled the game as a lead guard here tonight. He pushed the tempo, passed to open players and attacked the lane to draw fouls. His skill set would allow him to be a lottery pick in the 2016 NBA draft.

Date: June 20, 2014
Location: NBPA Top 100 Camp (Charlottesville, Va.)
Evaluator: Brandon Clay

Evaluation:
Simmons was the best player in the gym this week in Virginia. His skill set and handle was impressive. He showed that he can create and score from the block as well. Simmons has gained muscle since my December eval and is punishing defenders in the lane with his willingness to attack. He’ll rebound and defend on the interior as well.

Date: January 18, 2014
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: Hoop Hall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)

Evaluation:
I believe Simmons is one of those new age 4 players who can change the game from a number of positions on the floor. He played some in the pivot today while also facing up. He possesses good athleticism, but he doesn’t rely upon that natural ability to play defense – he has a good understanding of positioning. The left-handed versatile forward showed range to near the arc, while also showing tip-dunk ability in the paint.

Date: December 23, 2013
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: City of Palms (Fort Myers, Fla.)

Evaluation:
Simmons is a legitimate factor on the floor. He was the best player in a game full of top shelf talent. Simmons has good size and he’s strong already. He can rebound the ball, change shots with his length and make plays in the open floor. He’ll have to continue to evolve his skill set in the half court.

Check out a play for Simmons: Horns Iso

Highlights of Simmons compliments of Courtside Films:

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Brandon Clay is the owner of the JumpOffPlus.com International Report, Peach State Basketball, Inc., and ProspectsNation.com. The JumpOffPlus.com is picked up by more than 200 colleges and universities nationwide. He serves as the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. Clay has been involved in the community since 2001. You can reach him at [email protected]

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at [email protected] and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB