Aussie college basketball star to enter NBA draft

Australian college basketball star Ben Simmons will enter this year's NBA draft and is expected to be the No.1 pick, ESPN reported on Monday.

Simmons, 19, had a sparkling season for Louisiana State University where his play earned lofty comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

"I'm making it official," Simmons was quoted by ESPN as saying when asked about his plans to enter the June 23 draft.

Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season for LSU, who finished 19-14 overall and failed to make the NCAA Tournament.

ESPN said several NBA executives expected Simmons to be the first or second overall pick in the draft.

US reports have said that Simmons will hire Rich Paul -- the same agent as LeBron James -- to help map out his future.

Simmons has already forged a friendship with Cleveland Cavaliers superstar James, who has regularly offered advice to the young power forward from Melbourne as he prepares to enter the professional ranks.

"He has been like a big brother to me," Simmons said of James in an interview earlier this year.

"He has been there if I need someone to talk to. If I need some good advice he is there to talk to."