PHILADELPHIA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) - Ben Simmons isn't afraid of dreaming big and he loves playing for his native Australia - something the budding superstar could do once again at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

The 22-year-old point forward has played for Australia twice already, guiding the green and gold to second place at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2012 and playing at the FIBA Oceania Championship 2013.

"When I was 15 I got called up to the Under 17s national squad. It was a great experience for me at a young age and I got to represent my country, which has always been a dream of mine," said Simmons, who averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks as a player one year younger than the rest of the competition at the U17 World Cup. "I think the best feeling about it all is just knowing that you're representing your whole country. That's the special part about it."

Simmons' comments came in an interview which is part of the Dare to Dream series. These videos showcase basketball stars’ views and experiences when representing their country, sharing the reasons why playing for the national team is so special. Click here to watch all the videos.

Simmons also appeared in two games for Australia's senior national team in the 2013 Oceanian continental tournament, averaging 2.0 points, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 7 minutes a game.

The current Australia senior side is close to qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 as they are 7-1 atop their group in the Asian Qualifiers. The 6ft 10in (2.08m) Simmons would give Australia a major weapon at their fourth straight World Cup and 12th in the last 13 editions. Australia could use it as they have yet to reach the Quarter-Finals since 1982.

Should Australia book a China 2019 ticket, expect Simmons to have high hopes if he lines up for the Boomers.

"I think if you dream, you gotta dream for what you want. For me that was representing Australia," Simmons said. "Having the opportunity to represent your country doesn't come around often, so whether it's every time or that one time, I think everyone remembers the time they spent representing their country and how special it was."

Simmons still has plenty of years to fulfil his big dreams.

Watch Kevin Love, Jayson Tatum, Lauri Markkanen and Markelle Fultz explaining why they love to represent their country on the Dare to Dream series here.

FIBA