Kobi Simmons commits to Arizona

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- There were times during the process that Arizona and Sean Miller weren’t on five-star point guard Kobi Simmons' list.

On the most important day in his recruitment, however, Miller and his program were on the list as they landed a commitment from the No. 19-ranked player in the class of 2016.

After a sparkling 24 points, 11 rebound and nine assist effort at the HoopHall Classic, the 6-foot-4 floor general from Alpharetta (Ga.) St. Francis discussed his decision to pick Arizona.

“My relationship with coach Miller and my family grew tremendously,” said Simmons. “Also my relationship with coach Book (Richardson) and my family was big. They have known him for over 20 years and he’s also known my AAU coach.”

Though he hasn’t visited Tucson officially, Simmons feels that he has a strong enough relationship with the Wildcats staff to make the call. After all, each time he would eliminate them because he wasn’t sure it was the right fit, he ended up adding them right back on.

“I kept putting them in and out and people saw that,” said Simmons. “But at the end of the day I felt like they were the best decision for me.”

During the summer of 2015, Simmons had some stretches of tough play that had to do with effort and focusing on the right things. He’s hit the floor with a completely rearranged outlook and a new maturity that he’s looking forward bringing to the table at Arizona.

“I think I bring leadership and playmaking ability,” said Simmons. I want to come in and be a lead.

“Defense and bringing energy to the team are what I’ve worked on. My teammates energy is going to follow mine and I’ve learned how important that is.”