Last Thursday night 2K Sports hosted a party for the ages at the Throwback Flagship in Darlinghurst, launching their new NBA video game - NBA 2K19.
Throwback played host to a superstar of the game, one who will be, when it is all said and done, Australia’s greatest ever basketball player.
Ben Simmons made one hell of an entrance to the Darlinghurst Throwback Store as the cover man for Australia’s version of NBA 2K19.
I was one of the lucky ones to be in attendance, actually within arm’s reach of Simmons, when having his first interview for the night. He was showered with many cameras, phones, microphones something I’m sure he is used to by now. It really was incredible to witness. I’m glad I was inside and not one of the many people attempting to catch a glimpse from Oxford Street footpath.
As he made his way to centre stage, there was a hush over the crowd, I was like a little school girl; I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
Ben hung around to do a lot of media work, while those waiting to grab a photo with him got the chance to sample the new NBA 2K19, on one of many gaming stations set up throughout the store.
Yours truly was lucky enough to have a photo with Ben (as well as a quick chat) wishing him all the best for his career. And like so many others in Australia, and around the world, can’t wait to see how the rest of his career in the NBA goes along with his International career for the Boomers.
Ben Simmons is our LeBron James. He’s just turned 22 and most basketball experts are calling him the greatest Australian Basketball player. He’s only played 1 professional year of basketball. He may surpass LeBron, MJ, Kobe, Magic (this list could go on) when it is all said and done. As Australians we are so excited to see how this all turns out.
With the World Cup coming up next year, as well as the Boomers hosting Team USA in Melbourne, it is another huge year for Australian Basketball fans. The time has never been so right for Australia to finally win their first medal at the worlds, along with the Olympics.
With Simmons in our corner, the sky is the limit for Australian Basketball.
I’d like to think we wouldn’t take having Ben come back here for granted. He’s already one of the biggest stars in the NBA, and almost certainly a walk-up starter in the NBA All Star Game next season. He’s Basketball royalty here and by far the biggest superstar we’ve ever had.
I’ll never forget the night I met Ben Simmons. The work Mike Lazaris is doing here at Throwback, I know this won’t be the last time he gets someone like this through his doors. Everyone on the night raved about how great the store looked, as well as all the product on offer.
To all the team at Throwback, well done on an extremely well-run event, helping out the crew at 2k Sports. Everything ran smoothly on the night. Big thanks to Coors for providing the beverages on the night.
A great night had by all!
Dave Bauk
