BASKETBALL – Outstanding young Australian basketballer Ben Simmons (pictured) has fans all around the world and can now add US president Barack Obama to that list.

Nineteen year old Simmons is averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for Louisiana State and is considered a likely top draft pick when he enters the NBA draft.

Speaking at a local high school in Baton Rouge, Obama noted that Simmons American born father Dave played against US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Australias NBL  but he thinks the younger Simmons is already better than both.