LOS ANGELES, Sept 29, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Ben Simmons finished with eight
points and 14 assists against the same Australian club his father played for
in the early 1990s as the Philadelphia 76ers clobbered Melbourne United 104-
84 on Friday.
“It was a lot of fun, getting back onto the court, getting a feel for the
game again,” said the 22-year-old Simmons, who was born in Melbourne.
Simmons, whose father David starred for Melbourne from 1989 to 1996, also
finished with eight rebounds.
Simmons was born in the suburb of Fitzroy but grew up in Newcastle and
Melbourne where he played basketball and Australian rules football.
With the game out of hand, Simmons appeared content to just set up his
teammates.
The exhibition contest at Wells Fargo Center Arena in Philadelphia was
more than just a family affair for Simmons.
Former Philadelphia guard Casper Ware scored 19 points for Melbourne
United and Alex Pledger delivered 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Philadelphia coach Brett Brown also spent 17 years in Australia and worked
with United coach Dean Vickerman.
Melbourne United completes its two-game North American swing against the
Toronto Raptors on October 5.