Ben Simmons is still considered to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft and he solidified that with his play at LSU this past season. Even if he did have to be great despite his coach not being great at his job —- at least according to one SEC rival coach.
Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. LSU decided not continue its season by joining a postseason tournament and so we won't get to see any more of Simmons until some NBA Draft Combine action. However, Simmons was able to snag an award —- albeit not the Wooden Award —- from the United State Basketball Writers Association.
The other finalists for the award included California guard Jaylen Brown, Marquette forward Henry Ellenson, Duke forward Brandon Ingram and Kentucky guard Jamal Murray. Simmons was also third all-time in double-doubles in a season behind only Michael Beasley Julius Randle and tied with Kevin Love.
