Ben Simmons to represent Australia in FIBA World Cup

The offseason has begun for the Sixers sooner than they wanted it to. With exit interviews concluded, players have now dispersed and will begin their offseason plans with regard to basketball after a short break.

One of the Sixers players that many believe has the most important offseason ahead is Ben Simmons. Although he showed a ton of growth on defense during the season, his lack of development with a serviceable jump-shot hindered the team in the playoffs at times.

Simmons plans to work with his brother, Liam, over the summer on his game, but the second-year All-Star also has plans to represent his country in the FIBA World Cup. He broke that news on Twitter:

Simmons confirmed on his Weibo page that the Boomer events he'll be a part of include the FIBA World Cup. The Boomers are the name of the Australian team.

"Ni Hao China!" Simmons wrote. "Thanks for all the support this season, it was a tough way to go out. I'm happy to say I'm looking forward to representing my country Australia in the upcoming @FIBA World Cup in China! Stay tuned."

The FIBA World Cup takes place from August 31-September 15 in China. The Boomers face Canada, Senegal and Lithuania in the pool stage at the FIBA World Cup.

Simmons' Boomers will play a pair of exhibition games on August 16 and 17 against Canada in Perth, Australia, before playing two exhibitions against Team USA on August 22 and 24 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne in front of over 100,000 fans.

The Boomers have a strong roster of NBA players aside from Simmons, including Patty Mills, Andrew Bogut, Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes.