Seattle, WA- NBA prospect Anfernee Simons is a recent high school graduate that skipped college and went straight to the NBA Draft. Simons’ numbers in high school were off the charts. When he attended Edgewater High School, as a sophomore he averaged 17.8 points, 4.6, assists, 2.4 rebounds, and at least a steal a game. His senior year he ripped opened the stats book. He averaged 23.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals a game.
Simons thinks it is time to rip the band-aid off, skip college, and get drafted to an NBA team. “I have prayed and talked with my family about the decision and we both decided that this was the right decision. I mean why not now. I have worked hard at my craft and I think it is my time to go out there and make it happen.”
Simons has been a leader on and off the court. Many individuals in his community look up to him as a role model and a person that can encourage and inspire the youth today with his determination and mindset. “It is very humbling that people look up to me. It makes me grounded, focused, and determined to show individuals everywhere that they too can reach their goals and dreams. It starts with a positive support system and a will of not giving up.”
Basketball has been apart of Simons’ life since he was little and it has molded him into the person that he is today. “Basketball taught me the values of competition and working towards more. It taught me to be a leader and how to be a leader when things do not go the way that you expect them. You learn a lot of life lessions playing basketball and it has helped me grow into the man that I am today.”
A Couple weeks ago Simons had a practice with the Lakers and scouts loved him. The scouts that attended the practice said they like Simons’ footwork, his ability to shoot mid-range at a high percentage and beyond the arc, and his energy on the defensive end. When asked about the opportunities that he had with this iconic organization he simply said, “That it was a dream come true.”
As the NBA Draft approaches in less than a week, it will be very intriguing to see what team could pick up Simons and how he will fit into the system.
