Ben Simmons is likely going to be on LSU’s campus for less than a year, so the school is looking to capitalize as much as possible on the nation’s No. 1 recruit.
The school introduced their season-ticket campaign for the 2015-16 season – with the slogan, “25 is Coming.” Of course, 25 is expected to be the jersey number of Simmons, a McDonald’s All-American and the top prospect from the Class of 2015.
He's coming! Lock in your season tickets: http://t.co/jmX5qMqdmQ pic.twitter.com/EevTS1p6DL
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) May 20, 2015While the initial ad doesn't explicitly name Simmons -- it simply says “He’s Coming” -- the school isn't shying away from the reference. On its official website, it mentions that the campaign is focusing on the arrival of “Ben Simmons, and his chosen jersey number '25.'"
ESPN’s Darren Rovell tweeted that Simmons gave LSU permission to market him in that fashion, and it was approved by compliance.
Because Simmons hasn’t even arrived on campus yet, the marketing campaign has raised some eyebrows. The Tigers have one of the best recruiting classes in the country, led by Simmons and fellow McDonald’s All-American Antonio Blakeney.
Given there’s a chance Simmons will only wear an LSU uniform for about six months, though, it makes sense to make the most of it.
