Philly What’s Up: The 76ers Welcome Melbourne’s Ben Simmons As No.1 Pick

In news that surprised nobody, Melbourne's own Ben Simmons was selected No.1 overall in the 2016 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. This was the third year in a row that the Sixers have lead the draft.

Straight out of Lousiana State he now shares history with Shaquille O'Neal, the only other LSU Tiger to be selected first. Simmons is no stranger to Shaq, who two years ago said, "LSU just signed the best player in the world. Check him out."

This pick puts Australia even more on the basketball map by adding to other Melbourne-born #1 picks like Andrew Bogut (2005) and Kyrie Irving (2011).

Upon arrival at the draft at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, Simmons was already showcasing his NBA plans by immediately breaking this cameraman's ankles.

Ben has arrived at the — LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball)June 23, 2016

Let's hope we see a whole lot more of that on court, as well as epic plays like this coast-to-coast dunk that even had the hard to please Reggie Miller frothing over last year.

Speaking to VICE Sports yesterday NBA Hall of Famer and former #1 pick for San Antonio, David Robinson, predicted that Simmons would go first. At the same time, he did express hopes that it might turn out differently, saying, "I'm secretly gunning for Brandon Ingram". This makes sense as his son goes to Duke, Inram's alma mater.

But not all former greats were as reserved. Allen Iverson, who was coincidentally a #1 pick for Philly 20 years ago, took to twitter to express his support.

Congratulations — Allen Iverson (@alleniverson)June 23, 2016