Best of both worlds! Yes, that’s how one can describe Ben Simmons, as he perfectly blends with his culture and homeland. Now, you may be confused about what we are saying, but it’s the reality. He was born in a household that let their kids know who they were and where they came from. So, come let’s explore the Nets star’s family.

What is Ben Simmons’ nationality? Where was he raised?

Ben Simmons was born on July 20, 1996, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Which makes him an Australian national. But, his culture is not just Australian. It’s unique, blending the cultures of both Australia and the United States. Yes, you read it right. He was raised in Melbourne, surrounded by the influence of both his parents, each bringing their culture to his upbringing.

His father, Dave Simmons, is originally from New York City, USA, but he moved to Australia to play basketball. However, Dave holds dual citizenship. He was a talented player at Oklahoma City University and later competed professionally in countries like Colombia and Costa Rica. After relocating to Australia, Dave played for the Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League.

Dave’s career also saw him take up coaching, as he coached the now-defunct Hunter Pirates team in the NBL. However, keeping his professional life aside, he carries an African-American heritage, fused in with his American-Australian citizenship, which was pivotal in shaping Ben Simmons’ identity. Meanwhile, his mother is completely different in her ethnicity and roots.

His mother, Julie Simmons, is Australian and white. She was a cheerleader and aerobics instructor, and she met Dave while cheering for his team, the Melbourne Tigers! Julie was a constant supportive and encouraging presence in her son’s life. She often flew across the world to cheer for him during his NBA games.

This leads us to a conclusion about Ben’s ethnicity. The hoopster is biracial. His father’s African-American background and his mother’s white roots and Australian background give him a diverse cultural foundation. Growing up in Melbourne, he was influenced by his mixed heritage. He had 5 siblings, some from his mother’s previous marriage, creating a close-knit family environment where diversity was a key part of their lives.

Despite his Australian nationality, Ben Simmons’ connection to the U.S. is strong. His father’s American roots were evident throughout his childhood, and the hoopster often spoke of his gratitude for the sacrifices his father made.

His letter to Dave before entering the NBA draft expressed this sentiment beautifully: “This journey to the NBA draft brings us full circle. Because of your hard work, I have opportunities that you didn’t have. And for that, I am grateful beyond words.”

Ben Simmons’ path to becoming a global basketball star was paved by his parents’ hard work, love, and sacrifices. The blend of cultures within his family enriched his understanding of identity. Though he is Australian, his roots extend to the United States, making him a product of both worlds. However, with this, let’s look into how Simmons reacted to one of his racial incidents.

What has Ben Simmons said about racism?

Back in 2019, Ben Simmons, in an interview before the NBA season opener, addressed his personal experiences with racism. The Aussie had already sparked controversy earlier when he accused Melbourne’s Crown Casino security of racial profiling. He shared his frustrations, revealing that while other individuals were questioned at the entrance, he was singled out because of his skin color.

Ben Simmons recalled the moment, pointing out the stark difference in treatment. “The only guy who doesn’t get checked is this (white) guy,” he said. “Wow, we’ve got a long way to go.” It was an incident that reflected deeper societal issues, and the hoopster wasn’t afraid to speak out. His candidness sparked both support and backlash, but he stood firm.

Then, the hoopster recalled what his father taught him… His advice had always been clear: “Never take that from anybody. Never let anybody be racist toward you.” This lesson stayed with his son across his life, from childhood to NBA courts.

He remembers being called the N-word as a young kid and vowed to never let such experiences define him. His father’s wisdom shaped his sense of identity and strength.

Despite facing racism both in Australia and the USA, Ben Simmons expressed his commitment to representing his home country on the international stage. “I want to represent Australia in the Olympics,” he said. “It’s a dream.” His goal was to bring honor to the country, not just for himself, but for all Australians. However, he thinks that his appearance and accent might confuse some people, but he is unapologetically himself. “I live in America. I wear diamond chains. I don’t look like a typical Australian,” he admitted.

Despite not fitting into the mold some expect, Ben Simmons proudly embraces his identity. For the NBA star, Australia meant everything. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, the hoopster also proves that nationality is not just about where you’re born; it’s also about the people, cultures, and experiences you witness that shape who you are. No matter the racism he encountered, Ben Simmons remained focused on his dreams. His determination to represent Australia in the Olympics shows his resilience and love for the country.