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Ben Simmons and Antonio Blakeney showcase bright future at LSU during McDonald’s All-American Game

By Josh Criswell

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Top prospects Ben Simmons and Antonio Blakeney provided a promising outlook for the LSU basketball program at last night’s McDonald’s All-American Game.

The McDonald’s All-American Game is always a chance for the nation’s top prospects to put their skills on display. Five-star prospects Ben Simmons and Antonio Blakeney did exactly that last night, as well as showing a strong chemistry that should give LSU basketball fans plenty to look forward to next season as they helped the East team cruise to a 111-91 victory.

Cheick Diallo deservedly took home player of the game honors at the McDonald’s All-American game last night, but it was Simmons and Blakeney that were the talk of the game with their instant connection that led to dazzling plays on offense and nonstop hustle on defense for the time they were on the court together.

They ran the fast break with ease, dove for loose balls, dominated the boards, especially on the offensive glass, and put together a string of highlight reel plays that included a no-look dime from Simmons to Blakeney for a one-handed slam early in the second half.

Simmons, the unanimous No. 1 prospect in the country and Naismith High School Player of the Year, had an impressive stat line scoring 7 points and tying the game-high 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes. Even more impressive was his elite passing display, setting teammates up for constant easy baskets.

Blakeney is the No. 14 overall prospect and No. 2 shooting guard in the nation, and won Florida’s Mr. Basketball award over his future teammate. He finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-14 shooting, several highlight dunks and four rebounds, all on the offensive boards.

ESPN analyst Quint Kessenich asked Blakeney during the broadcast why he choose LSU over other higher-profile schools like Kentucky that were heavily pursuing him.

"“It was very appealing because I’m different, I’m a trendsetter,” Blakeney said. “I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing. I want to start a tradition. The dream at LSU is to win an SEC tournament and make a run in the tournament.”"

The duo will be expected to set up as leaders for the Tigers next season after losing sophomore forwards Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin to the NBA Draft, something Simmons is perfectly comfortable with.

"“For me I think it will be good (being the face of the program) as a freshman,” Simmons said. “I’m just trying to be a leader going in. I know it’s hard being one of the youngest guys, but me and Antonio are going to go in and try and lead the team.”"

The pair’s chemistry did not just develop from the All-American festivities. It came from developing a close relationship while dominating the AAU circuit together and serving as the top players in the state of Florida.

Simmons is confident their combination of skills will be a recipe for success for their time in Baton Rouge.

"“He’s a scorer and I like to pass the ball. He can shoot the outside shot so we work well together.”"

The LSU Tigers may have lost its best two players to the draft, but if tonight is any indicator, they should be in fine shape for the 2015-2016 season.

Simmons and Blakeney have every chance to become immediate upgrades and make LSU a serious threat come next March.

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