As part of their pre-season schedule, the Philadelphia 76ers are competing in the 2018 NBA China Games. Former MVA alumnus Ben Simmons'15 and former MVA student Joel Embiid, are not only playing in their pre-season basketball games but are also becoming big stars in China. 

Pictures of Embiid are on the Master Kong ice tea bottles he endorses in China.  Meanwhile, pictures of Simmons are featured on China billboards. 

Embiid and Simmons came to Montverde Academy and played on the varsity basketball team a couple of years ago. Although they both ended up on the same NBA team, they walked different paths when they attended MVA.

Embiid struggled to make the varsity team in his first year at MVA. However, after working his way up from the JV team, the basketball staff started to see a lot of potential in Embiid and he eventually made the varsity roster.

"When Embiid first practiced with us, he needed a lot of coaching and development," said Head Coach Kevin Boyle. "Over time, he started to become a very talented athlete and a foreseeable NBA star."

In 2013, Embiid transferred to the Rock School and as a senior, he committed to the University of Kansas. After one year at Kansas, he was then selected in the 2014 NBA draft by the 76ers.

Simmons on the other hand immediately made the MVA varsity roster in 2013 and lead the Eagles to three consecutive national championships (2015,2014,2013).

After high school, Simmons committed to Lousiana State University (LSU) and after a year, was then selected in the 2016 NBA draft by the 76ers. 

Now Simmons and Embiid are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA and the MVA community supports them every step of the way.