When the season began and LSU star freshman Ben Simmons wasn’t scoring the ball in a way that’s become more traditional among Freshman of the Year candidates, it didn’t take long for the doubters to appear.
That’s when his performance against North Florida–43 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, five steals, three blocks–came down the pipe, and suddenly, Simmons was once against the talk of the country despite the fact that LSU has played one of the easiest schedules in the country and currently sit at a measly 4-3 on the season.
While it seems hard to fathom that the national selection for Freshman of the Year could miss the postseason, given the effect that freshman have on the game these days, we’re looking it right in the face. However, it would be foolish to discredit Simmons because of the poor supporting cast that he has around him.
Guys, look at his season averages! He’s putting up 19.9 points per game, 14.9 rebounds and six assists per game. Those are video game numbers, and far beyond what even some of his most stout supporters (like me) thought he was capable of putting up this season–especially considering the roster that surrounds him and the coach roaming his sidelines.
It’s fair to say that the general lack of any star power in this class, overall, is assisting him, but Simmons’ dominance stands alone across the country and while he won’t get any buzz for the Naismith Player of the Year Award, he’s the absolute favorite for anything given out to this freshman class.
