Watching Ben Simmons dominate the game against North Carolina State just a week ago was, to put it mildly, a truly unique experience when it comes to college basketball.
At this level, players (especially freshmen) simply aren’t ready to dominate a game where they shoot 1-of-6 from the field and 2-of-5 from the charity stripe. They’re not ready to pour in 10 assists while grabbing 14 rebounds and not turning the ball over a single time.
Simmons was, and it reminded everyone that while he isn’t a finished product by any stretch of the imagination, he’s still a dynamic and unique talent. Yet, we’re all still left wanting a bit more out of him, for whatever reason.
The truth is, Simmons has played at an All-American level, but it hasn’t been good enough for LSU, who sit at just 3-3 having now lost three games in a row.
In those losses, Simmons is 11-for-35 from the field, with 10 turnovers. He’s still rebounding and setting up teammates, sure. But perhaps the Tigers need less “point-forward” Simmons and more “points-from” Simmons.
At his size, working in the paint and from the mid-range off the dribble is a huge asset, and would help LSU put the opposition in foul trouble, creating extra free throw line opportunities for the team’s better shooters when they’re fouled. As it stands, Simmons is getting his teammates open looks, sure, but they’re simply not consistent enough to accept the task. Defensively, Simmons has to be a great deal better, there’s no debating that.
Statistics or not, if Simmons wants a chance to shine on college basketball’s greatest stage, the NCAA Tournament, something has to change in his play.
