Ben Simmons, the talented Los Angeles Clippers player, has made a name for himself in the NBA with his incredible skills and high presence on the court. But behind every great athlete is a story of family, support, and inspiration; for Ben, that story begins with his parents, Dave Simmons and Julie Simmons.
Ben Simmons was born on July 20, 1996, in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, Australia.
Ben’s journey is deeply rooted in the love and direction of his parents, whose diverse backgrounds and dedication have shaped him into the man he is today.
Ben Simmons’s Father, Dave, Is A Native Of New York City Who Has Taken A Fascinating Journey
Dave (David) Simmons Grew up in the gritty streets of the South Bronx.
He attended South Bronx High School, where his love for basketball first took flight.
He went on to play college basketball in Oklahoma, eventually transferring to Oklahoma City University in 1985.
After sitting out a season and graduating, Dave’s career turned international when he signed with the Melbourne Tigers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) in 1989.
This move would change his life, eventually leading to the birth of a future NBA star.
Dave, an African-American expatriate who became a naturalized Australian citizen, thrived in the NBL.
From 1989 to 1996, he stood out for the Melbourne Tigers, earning respect and admiration.
In 1994, he briefly returned to the U.S. to play for the Westchester Stallions in the United States Basketball League, but his heart remained Down Under.
He rejoined the Melbourne Tigers for the 1994 NBL season and later played for teams like the Newcastle Falcons in 1997 and the Sydney Kings in 1998.
His career hit a rough patch when the Canberra Cannons released him in the 2000–01 season due to undisclosed off-court issues, but Dave didn’t let that define him.
After retiring as a player, Dave moved into coaching.
He started as an assistant coach with the Hunter Pirates for the 2003–04 NBL season and even stepped up as interim head coach in December 2003.
His resilience and passion for the game left a lasting impression on his son, Ben, who grew up watching his father’s dedication to basketball firsthand.
Ben’s mother, Julie Simmons, Is A White Australian With A Warm And Spirited Personality
A former cheerleader and aerobics instructor, Julie met Dave while cheering for the Melbourne Tigers during his playing days.
Their love story began on the sidelines, and it wasn’t long before they built a family together.
Julie brought four children, Melissa, Emily, Liam, and Sean, from a previous marriage into their blended family, and later, she and Dave welcomed Olivia and Ben.
Julie has always been the emotional backbone of the Simmons household.
Known for her boundless energy and support, she’s been a constant presence in Ben’s life, cheering him on from his early days on Australian courts to his high-profile NBA games.
Whether she’s flying across the world to watch him play or offering words of encouragement, Julie’s love for her son shines through.
Happy Mother’s Day to my biggest supporter 💐 Love you Mum pic.twitter.com/khPZ9GED1K
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) May 12, 2019
Ben often speaks about his mother’s support for him, proving their close bond.
Growing up, Ben was surrounded by a big, bustling family.
With five siblings, Melissa, Emily, Liam, Sean, and Olivia, he learned the value of teamwork and resilience early on.
The Simmons home was a lively mix of cultures and personalities, blending Dave’s American roots with Julie’s Australian spirit.
This unique upbringing gave Ben a strong identity and a deep appreciation for family.
Dave and Julie’s influence went beyond just emotional support.
With his years of basketball experience, Dave played a massive role in Ben’s development as a player.
He coached Ben during his youth, passing down skills and wisdom from his career.
Meanwhile, Julie kept the family grounded, ensuring Ben stayed humble despite his growing talent.
Ben Simmson’s Parents Were With Him Every Step Of The Way
Ben’s path to the NBA wasn’t a solo journey.
Dave’s knowledge of the game helped Ben refine his skills, while Julie’s encouragement motivated him.
Ben took his parents’ lessons after moving to the U.S. to play high school basketball and later starring at LSU.
Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, he quickly became a household name.
Dave and Julie remain private on social media, keeping their Instagram accounts locked, but their pride in Ben is undeniable.
They’ve inspired him to chase his dreams, and as he continues to shine in the NBA, Ben Simmons’ parents remain his biggest fans, proving that family is the foundation of his success.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He played one season of college basketball for the LSU Tigers, earning consensus first-team All-American honors and being named USBWA National Freshman of the Year.
- Dave Simmson’s long-time friend, David Patrick, is the godfather of his son Ben.
- Ben is a dual citizen of Australia and the United States; Simmons has played for the Australian national team.
