Top recruit Ben Simmons wants to attract more talent to LSU

Ben Simmons, the top recruit in the nation by Rivals, has already committed to LSU, and the forward hopes he can attract more prized prospects to come play with

Ben Simmons, the top recruit in the nation by Rivals, has already committed to LSU, and the forward hopes he can attract more prized prospects to come play with him in Baton Rouge. 

More: Australian Ben Simmons takes unconventional path to top of '15 class​

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Simmons is attempting to convince Antonio Blakeney and Noah Dickerson to join him in playing with the Tigers. 

Dickerson and Simmons are teammates at Montverde Academy in Florida, and Blakeney is from nearby Orlando. Blakeney is the 16th-best player in his class according to Rivals, and Dickerson is ranked No. 56. 

"We talk about it a lot," Dickerson told the Times-Picayune. "Ben was in Atlanta for his birthday and he was in my ear the whole day about LSU. Every time we see each other, we talk about it. He loves that place and he wants them to be great when he gets there."

More: LSU recruit Ben Simmons could be next ambassador of Australian basketball​

LSU has not made the NCAA tournament since 2009. Head coach Johnny Jones is entering his third season with the Tigers. LSU's combined record in his first two years is 39-26. 

- Dan Gartland