Simmons Raises Stock

Keith Simmons, a spindly 6'4'' 180 lb combo guard from Kingston High School in Kingston, New York, helped his stock markedly with his play throughout the month of July.

Simmons told Rivals Hoops that he has heard from Holy Cross, William and Mary, Towson, Marist, Penn, Hofstra, and Loyola of Maryland. Other schools that have inquired include LaSalle, West Virginia, UAB, Tennessee, Penn State, Loyola(Chicago), and Binghamton. Holy Cross, William and Mary, and Marist have offered. Simmons had previously told RivalsHoops that Penn State and Canisius had offered.

One of Simmons' coaches with the New York Elite, Eric Jaklitsch, said that Penn has been one of the versatile wing's most aggressive suitors.

"(Penn assistant coach) Gil Jackson was at every one of his games in Vegas and in California," said Jaklitsch. "When Jackson wasn't there, Fran Dunphy was there."

Simmons said he definitely plans on taking a visit to Holy Cross, and will likely visit William and Mary and Marist. He will firm up his unofficial visits over the next week or two with his high school coach.

Simmons is effectively done for the summer, other than an appearance at the East/West game at the Syracuse(NY) State Fair. He will likely compete with the New York Elite at Wayne Simone's Connecticut Select Tournament in Connecticut in September.

While Simmons' versatility make him an intruiging commodity, as the wiry wing can competently man anywhere from point guard to small forward, Jaklitsch cited some of the intangibles that Keith brings to the table as his greatest assets.

"He's the hardest worker on my team," said Jaklitsch. "Even if he doesn't play well, he plays hard. Also, he is able to take criticism, and it doesn't bother him. If he has a bad game, he acknowledges it, and tries to do better next time."

Simmons is a slinky wing who can wriggle in through traffic for buckets. He handles well for his size, and handled the point adequately at the Three Stripes Tournament in July when he wasn't playing off the ball. Simmons has a long wingspan that helps his deflect and snatch up errand passes and restrict opponents sightlines. Strength is definitely issue, as Keith is a bit spindly, but his versatility is an attractive attribute.

Simmons carries a B average in the classroom. He has scored 990 on the SAT.