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Ben Simmons will focus on enrolling at LSU instead of U19 Australian World Championship team

ben simmons

Ben Simmons (Kelly Kline/Under Armour)

Some positive news for LSU fans -- and college basketball fans in general -- this week as the No. 1 player in the 2015 class, Ben Simmons, told reporters he likely wouldn’t play for the Australian national team in the U19 World Championships this summer.

Simmons told Jonathan Givony of Draft Express that he likely won’t play for the team. Instead, Simmons will focus on enrolling in the summer and beginning work at LSU, which means he’s committed to helping a talented Tigers team right away.

Simmons opting to take off the additional practices and games with the Australian national team also limits wear and tear on his body entering his first season of college basketball. Having already played extended high school seasons at Montverde to go along with spring all-star game appearances in the McDonald’s All-American game and the international team in the Nike Hoop Summit, Simmons could use a break before going to school.

With a talented duo coming into LSU with Simmons and shooting guard Antonio Blakeney, the Tigers are hoping for a big run in the SEC next season if they can convince either Jerrell Martin and Jordan Mickey to return.

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