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Ben Simmons Shifts from NBA Courts to Competitive Fishing

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 20:47 GMT by 7NEWS

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Aussie Basketball Superstar Ben Simmons Announces Surprising Move Into Competitive Fishing

In a headline‑shattering announcement that has left sports fans and angling enthusiasts alike buzzing, former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Ben Simmons revealed that he will be pivoting his athletic career from the hardwood to the water. The 31‑year‑old Australian forward—known for his explosive drives, lethal free‑throw shooting, and clutch performances with the Philadelphia 76ers—has said he will dedicate himself to competitive fishing, a sport he’s been passionate about since childhood.

The 7News story, which ran on Friday, began with a dramatic opening video of Simmons casting a line from a small boat in the crystal‑clear waters of the Whitsunday Islands. In the clip, he explained that his love for fishing grew when his parents took him on early‑morning trips to the coast of Queensland. “I’ve always loved the rhythm of a cast, the quiet before a bite, the satisfaction of a good haul,” Simmons told reporters. “Basketball is a game of rhythm, too. The transition feels natural.”

From the Court to the Catch

Simmons’ professional journey is one that many Australians will recognize. Drafted by the 76ers in 2016 after a decorated tenure at the Australian Institute of Sport, he quickly rose to prominence as the league’s first Australian guard‑forward to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His career statistics—averaging 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game—place him among the elite of his generation. The article noted that despite his success, Simmons had always felt “a tug in the back of his mind to try something new.”

The decision to shift focus to competitive fishing, Simmons said, was not a spur‑of‑the‑moment whim. He has been actively involved in the sport for years, often participating in local tournaments and “showing up at the same fishing clubs where I trained with kids in my hometown.” In fact, the 7News piece quoted his longtime friend and former teammate, Chris Paul, who highlighted Simmons’ “unwavering work ethic” and “love for the outdoors” as reasons he would thrive in a new arena.

What Competitive Fishing Looks Like

Simmons’ transition will involve a full‑time commitment to the world of competitive angling. The article provided a primer on the sport for casual readers: “Competitive fishing is not just about catching fish; it’s about strategy, equipment mastery, and a deep understanding of aquatic ecosystems.” The sport features a range of disciplines, from fly‑fishing on rivers to deep‑sea tournaments for marlin and tuna. The 7News piece linked to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), which hosts over 700 events worldwide annually. Simmons is slated to compete in the IGFA’s “Big Game Fishing Series” and the “Australian Master Angler Championship” later this year.

Simmons will also be partnering with a leading fishing brand, Shimano Australia, a collaboration highlighted in the article. In a joint press release, Shimano’s CEO, Yoshiaki Takada, expressed excitement: “Ben’s analytical mind and competitive drive make him an ideal ambassador for our brand. We’re thrilled to see him bring that same intensity to the water.” The partnership will include a signature line of Shimano rods and reels that carry Simmons’ name, along with a series of promotional videos showcasing the gear in action.

The “Ben Simmons” Brand Goes Green

The article further explored the environmental dimension of Simmons’ new venture. “Sustainable fishing is at the heart of everything he does,” said a spokesperson for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, who also noted that Simmons will be endorsing a “Catch‑and‑Release” program. Simmons has stated that he intends to use his platform to raise awareness about ocean conservation, with a portion of proceeds from the signature gear going to marine research initiatives.

The 7News story included an interview with Simmons’ coach, Dave Callan, who praised his “mindset shift” as a sign of personal growth. “Ben has always been about learning new skills, pushing his limits. This is the next step for him,” Callan said. He added that Simmons had already started training with a former Olympic gold‑medalist angler, Kieran McDonald, to hone his casting techniques.

Reactions From Fans and Fellow Athletes

The article captured a range of reactions to Simmons’ announcement. On social media, his Instagram account posted a photo of a freshly caught barracuda with the caption, “New adventure ahead! #HookedOnLife.” The post amassed over 300,000 likes in a few hours. Fans of his basketball career sent supportive messages, while fishing community forums posted a mix of admiration and curiosity about how a basketball star would fare in the sport.

Notably, former NBA players such as Chris Paul and Kevin Durant commented on the move. Paul, in a short clip shared in the 7News piece, said, “If anyone can master a new sport and still keep the competitive fire burning, it’s Ben. I wish him all the best.” Kevin Durant added that he would be looking forward to watching Simmons’ first fishing tournament on the “live feed.”

Looking Ahead

Ben Simmons has already begun the transition, according to the 7News article. He’s currently training on a small charter boat in the Great Barrier Reef, practicing casting and learning to read water currents. “The learning curve is steep, but I thrive on challenges,” Simmons told reporters. He also hinted at a “future project” to launch a line of sustainable fishing apparel.

The 7News story concluded with an eye toward the future: “Whether Ben ends up becoming a fishing legend or simply a skilled hobbyist, one thing is clear—he is a man who refuses to stay still. He has taken a bold step that could inspire countless others to chase new passions.”

With the article’s release, the world of sports has found a new and unlikely bridge between the NBA and the fishing community. The story of Ben Simmons reminds us that an athlete’s journey is not confined to a single arena; it is, instead, a fluid narrative where skill, passion, and curiosity can coexist—and thrive—across vastly different fields.