By Benjamin Millar
Young basketball players were treated to a surprise masterclass by one of Australia’s biggest global sporting stars when Ben Simmons dropped by Footscray on an unannounced visit to the Helping Hoops Future program.
Simmons, 23, rocketed to basketball stardom after signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA.
Helping Hoops executive director Adam McKay said despite his rapid rise to stardom Simmons hasn’t forgotten his roots, remaining a big supporter of the basketball charity for the past three years.
“Ben visited our Helping Hoops Future program, run in Footscray every Wednesday for young people from a migrant and refugee background, to join in and have a run with the crew,” he said.
“Ben famously threw down some dunks, some of which have gone viral, but more importantly talked to the group about his journey and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”
Mr McKay said while the recent visit was a lot of fun for the young people, there was a deeper take-away message – that challenges can be overcome by hard work and discipline.
“All our kids face challenges, most more so than others, so to be inspired to push through these challenges from someone they idolise is a powerful thing.”
Simmons, who is back in Australia for training with the national Boomers squad and to host basketball camps for juniors, made waves last week by posting a video to his Instagram page implying Crown Casino had denied he and some friends entry due to racial profiling.
