The Unstoppable Marksman: Ben Simons Leads Acunsa Gipuzkoa’s Three-Point Assault
Ben Simons, hailing from Michigan, USA, is setting the LEB Oro ablaze with his extraordinary three-point shooting. Currently averaging an impressive 50.5% from beyond the arc, Simons has sunk 51 out of 101 attempts, placing him in a fierce battle for the league’s top spot with Calvin Hermanson of TAU Castellón.While Hermanson boasts a higher volume of made threes, Simons’ superior accuracy gives him a slight edge.
What sets Simons apart is his unwavering confidence and remarkable ability too compartmentalize. “My mindset is always locked on the next shot,” he explains. “Weather I’ve missed five in a row or made the previous five, I always believe the next one will go in.” This unshakeable belief is a hallmark of elite shooters in today’s game, a quality sorely missed by teams like Real Madrid, who are struggling without a sharpshooter like Jaycee Carroll.Simons’ mental fortitude was on full display in a recent game against Coruña. Despite Acunsa Gipuzkoa struggling from the field, shooting a dismal 5 of 25, Simons remained unfazed. With two minutes remaining and the score at 56-49, he calmly sank a crucial three-pointer, showcasing his ice-cold composure under pressure.
Simons attributes his success to years of dedicated practice. “Shooting has been a part of my life as I was a child,” he recalls. “Every day after school,I’d wait for my father to finish work so we could practice together.I’ve put in countless hours honing my shot.” While talent undoubtedly plays a role,Simons emphasizes the importance of consistent effort.
As Simons’ reputation grows, opposing defenses are paying him increased attention. Larger teams, with their physical prowess, are employing strategies to disrupt his rhythm. Estudiantes, for example, recently deployed a suffocating defense, using aggressive closeouts and constant switches to deny Simons space at the three-point line.
However, Simons remains undeterred. “I’ve noticed the increased defensive pressure, but the beauty of our team lies in our balanced scoring,” he notes.”We don’t rely on one player for all our points. Several players consistently contribute between twelve and nine points, thanks to our excellent ball movement and unselfish play.”
Simons’ name often draws humorous comparisons to NBA point guard Ben Simmons, known for his struggles from beyond the arc.While they share a first and last name, their playing styles couldn’t be more different. Ben Simmons, currently with the Brooklyn Nets, has a career three-point percentage of a mere 14.7%. “I frequently enough receive messages on social media after a good shooting performance,” Simons laughs. “We’re practically opposites on the court, separated only by a single letter.” He even reveals that marketing companies occasionally mistake him for his NBA counterpart.
Looking ahead, Acunsa Gipuzkoa faces a challenging road trip, starting with a matchup against Palma. despite Palma’s recent resurgence, Simons and his teammates are focused on their own game. “We can’t dwell on the standings,” warns coach Oroz. “We need to concentrate on Palma’s recent performances and be prepared for a tough battle.”
