How did Simmons end up at LSU?

Probably in a car, but before that in a plane.

Johnny Patrick

ETA: I mean David lol

Saban recruited him as a baby.

His dad knew someone on the coaching staff which opened the door for JJ to work his recruiting jedi mind powers.

Johnny Jones is a coaching legend in some areas of Australia.

Johnny Jones was conducting a basketball clinic at an army base in Australia when a tall, lanky kid walked up to him and asked him what he could do to improve his game. Johnny answered, "Well soldier, here's a few drills that are key to success." Ben quickly replied, "Soldier? I'm only 14, sir." Johnny answered, "Where's your father?" And the rest is history.

You'll get a lot of snarky comments, but the cliff notes version is this:

1. He played his last two years of HS ball in the US, so he was ineligible to enter the NBA draft out of HS.

2. His Godfather is LSU Asst. Coach, David Patrick

That's it. That's the whole story as to why he's at LSU

The NBA disallowed high school kids going straight to the NBA. Have to do at least one year of college now. Stupid rule that only increases the chance of great players getting injured before their life-changing payday.

LSU arse't mgr. David Patrick was a friend of Simmon's dad. They both played Basketball together on the same team in Australia, good friends and teammates. Of course Patrick recruited Ben to LSU when Patrick became arse't coach. The parents have moved from Australia to B.R. recently, his dad retired from pro ball in Aussie.