I was in school to play basketball; I wasn't trying to be a doctor. It's hard to talk about the NCAA rules and everything that happened in the past because I've just been focused on practicing and getting ready... I was trying to reach my dreams, and that's to play in the NBA.

In this quote, Ben Simmons reflects on his focus during his time in school, emphasizing that his primary goal was to play basketball and not to pursue a career in something like medicine. He admits that discussing the NCAA rules and past events is difficult because his main priority was always to dedicate himself to practicing and preparing for his dream of playing in the NBA. This highlights the laser-focus he maintained on achieving his goal, regardless of external distractions or challenges.

Simmons points out the clear separation between his academic responsibilities and his true passion for basketball. The mention of the NCAA rules suggests that there were complications or restrictions in his college experience, but he chose not to be sidetracked by these issues. Instead, his energy was directed entirely toward improving his game and working towards his dream of being in the NBA, underlining his strong commitment to his career aspirations.

The origin of this quote lies in Simmons' journey through college basketball and his transition to the NBA. Known for his time at LSU and then as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons was focused on basketball from an early age. His experience in college basketball was marked by challenges, including controversies over NCAA rules, but his goal remained singular: to play professionally in the NBA.

Ultimately, Simmons' statement emphasizes the importance of focusing on dreams and goals with dedication, often requiring sacrifices and a singular focus. His words reflect the mentality that success in any field, especially one as competitive as professional sports, requires unwavering commitment and the ability to tune out distractions, no matter how significant they may seem.