Simmons eager 'to go at' fellow Aussie Exum
Ben Simmons can't wait to face his childhood friend Dante Exum on the biggest stage.
The two grew up together in Melbourne, Australia. where their fathers played in the Australian National Basketball League. Simmons and Exum developed a friendly backyard rivalry.
Fast-forward to Thursday night, when Simmons, 19, was selected first overall by the 76ers. The 6-foot-10, 243-pounder was asked which Australian player he was most looking forward to facing.
"Dante Exum," Simmons said with a smile. "I'm going to go at him."
Exum, 20, was drafted fifth overall by the Utah Jazz in 2014. The point guard missed this past season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He hopes to play in Utah's first preseason game.
For Simmons' sake, Exum better be ready by the time Utah faces the Sixers in the first of two regular-season encounters.
"We've had rivalries since we were like seven years old," Simmons said. "It's kind of weird seeing that relationship change from playing in the backyard to now we're going to be playing in the NBA."
Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.