Ben Simmons - a lost saint dream?

[saintbrat]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/baske ... 35922f7499

The 208cm 21-year-old, who is a point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, played for the Beverley Hills Junior Football Club in Melbourne’s east.

His coach in those 2008-2009 years, Joe Mezgec, has no doubt Simmons was headed to the AFL with a bullet.

“I coached him for two years at Beverly Hills in the U13 and U14s,” said Mezgec, who is now junior development officer for the Yarra League as well as coach of coach of its U14 representative side.

“He and his dad Dave turned up at one of our training sessions and said he wanted to play.

“We had two teams training on the night he came down and when he walked out, everyone just stopped.

“He was just 13 but already close to 190cm and he was sensational. His athleticism was extraordinary but he was also very natural with a football. I ended up playing him as a wingman/onballer where he won the Yarra League best and fairest.”

Mezgec said it soon became apparent that football was not Simmons’ No.1 love.

“By U14s he was starting to veer towards basketball as his pathway even though his mum Julie was keen on him playing football. They were good family friends with Leigh Montagna’s family,” Mezgec recalled.


Ben Simmons played for the Beverley Hills Junior Football Club in Melbourne’s east. Picture: Supplied
“I have no doubt that had he stuck with footy, he’d not only be playing AFL but would be a star.

“He would also be the same humble kid he was with us, someone who was always more about the team than himself which came from his parents Dave and Julie, who are beautiful people.

"

[kosifantutti]

Where does it say he would have gone to St Kilda

[SMS]

Where does it say he would have gone to St Kilda

2014 Number 1 pick: Ben Simmons.

Ruckman. We probably wouldve still picked paddy. :/

[bigcarl]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

[WellardSaint]

Heart was obviously in basketball.
Another lost 'gem' and nobody can be sure
whether he would have been another Spencer White

[Con Gorozidis]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

I truly doubt they were 'mates'.

Joey born in 1983. Ben in 1996.

When Ben was 13 years old - Joey was 26.

Would have been a very suspicious 'mateship'.

If they were mates then Joey should be in jail.

[bigcarl]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

I truly doubt they were 'mates'.

Joey born in 1983. Ben in 1996.

When Ben was 13 years old - Joey was 26.

Would have been a very suspicious 'mateship'.

If they were mates then Joey should be in jail.

Okay, his family was mates with Joey's family.

“By U14s he was starting to veer towards basketball as his pathway even though his mum Julie was keen on him playing football. They were good family friends with Leigh Montagna’s family,” Mezgec recalled.

[Rosco]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

I truly doubt they were 'mates'.

Joey born in 1983. Ben in 1996.

When Ben was 13 years old - Joey was 26.

Would have been a very suspicious 'mateship'.

If they were mates then Joey should be in jail.

It's not Hollywood

[parkeysainter]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

I truly doubt they were 'mates'.

Joey born in 1983. Ben in 1996.

When Ben was 13 years old - Joey was 26.

Would have been a very suspicious 'mateship'.

If they were mates then Joey should be in jail.

It's not Hollywood

Harvey Weinsten wants to produce it.

[carn_sainter]

Simmons is the real deal in the NBA and will be a dominant player for the next 10+ years. Will be Rookie of the Year this year and is a very, very special basketballer.

He'll earn something like 300+ million USD in his career. Even if he was the very best AFL player he would earn what, 10 million? 15?

[magnifisaint]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

I truly doubt they were 'mates'.

Joey born in 1983. Ben in 1996.

When Ben was 13 years old - Joey was 26.

Would have been a very suspicious 'mateship'.

If they were mates then Joey should be in jail.

Con, you definitely have trust issues. Now why should I believe you?

[WellardSaint]

Thought that myself when I read it. Mate of Joey's and all and now he's setting the world on fire.

I truly doubt they were 'mates'.

Joey born in 1983. Ben in 1996.

When Ben was 13 years old - Joey was 26.

Would have been a very suspicious 'mateship'.

If they were mates then Joey should be in jail.

Con, you definitely have trust issues. Now why should I believe you?

I imagine Con is simply taking the proverbial.
Just stirring.