Sophomore forward Desmond Simmons is off to a strong start for Richmond (Calif.) Salesian High School. And Simmons, 6-foot-6, 205-pounds, has had a couple high major schools check him out already this year.

Washington and Arizona State have both been to Richmond to evaluate Simmons, but they aren't the only schools recruiting this promising 2010 prospect.

"Texas, Arizona State, Washington, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona, Stanford and San Jose State are recruiting me the hardest," said Simmons. "Santa Barbara is the one school that has offered me. UCLA isn't recruiting me right now, but I wouldn't mind hearing from them."

Averaging 17 points and nine rebounds per game for his 4-1 squad, Simmons is an athletic forward who excels at getting to the rim and pursuing the ball off the backboard. With three more years left of high school, he is working hard to expand his game.

"I'm working to improve my ball handling," he said. "Even though my defense is pretty good, I realize it could get better. I also want to get a lot stronger."