It's been a significant day for Australian basketball with Sudanese-born, Perth-raised Thon Maker selected at number 10 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Ben Simmons' as the Association's first draft pick, marking a red-letter day for Australian basketball and a dream realised for a 19-year-old star in the making.
Simmons is his way to the Philadelphia 76ers.
"I'm happy to be a part of the family now. It's a weight off my chest. I've been looking forward to this day for a while. I've made history not only for myself but for my family and Australian basketball."
Born and raised in suburban Melbourne, Simmons was the popular pick for the NBA draft's top selection.
Since arriving in the United Statest three years ago, his development grew from a stint with Louisiana State University.
Sydney Kings great Steve Carfino, who himself was picked in the 1984 draft, says he knew Simmons' selection was meant to be.
"He's a great player, he comes from good basketball stock. His dad Dave Simmons played with Andrew Gaze."
Simmons stands at 208 centimetres and weighs 111 kilograms.
He always had high ambitions of playing for Philadelphia.
And says can't wait to go head-to head with childhood friend Dante Exum on basketball's biggest stage.
"Dante, I'm definitely going at him, you know, when we play."
Twenty-five per cent of the draft's top picks in the past 12 years have been Australians, including Andrew Bogut and Kyrie Irving.
There was some degree of shock as the NBA draft unfolded, with little-known Thon Maker coming in at number 10 pick.
The Sudanese-born refugee arrived in Perth as a youngster before being discovered at a Texas talent camp.
He's happy about his preparation for the moment.
"I feel like I'm ready because I trust my game. I've really worked on my game for a short time period, but I put in a lot of work and a lot of reps into it."
Steve Carfino says Australian basketball is stronger than it's ever been.
"The rest of the world is starting to stand up and take notice of how we can have so many Australians going so high in the draft, of course with Andrew Bogut."
Simmons is likely to become one of Australia's highest-paid sportsmen having already signed a $25 million sponsorship deal with Nike.
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