Simonds has early leader
MORE: THE RIVALS150: Class of 2014 - Class of 2015
Buford (Ga.) sophomore wing D'Marcus Simonds has been on a personal mission in the latter half of his sophomore year to put himself firmly into the conversation for best player in Georgia's 2016 class. Judging by his season stats and his play through the state playoffs so far, he's done just that.
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"I've been playing a lot better lately," Simonds said. "I've been taking more shots and being more aggressive. I'm probably averaging around 19 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists now for the year."
With his recent success on the court, he's began to see increased attention from college coaches. He now holds a trio of high-major offers.
"Mississippi State, Connecticut and Georgia just offered me a week ago after my game. Kansas says they are going to come watch me. I just visited Georgia Tech for a game. There are a few more schools on me as well."
UConn's long histoy of success, combined with having teammate Rakim Lubin committed to the Huskies, has caught Simonds' attention.
"I like UConn. It's a big school. They always have good basketball teams up there, so I really like UConn."
A visit to Starkville, Miss., blew Simonds away. The Bulldogs coaching staff really impressed the 6-foot-4 high-scoring wing in his short time on campus.
"I love Mississippi State. I had so much fun when I went up there. I love the way they play with all the ball screens and they like to get and run. I like Coach (Rick) Ray and all the coaches too."
Georgia's coaching staff watched Simonds' first state playoff game and wasted no time extending him a scholarship offer.
"I haven't had a chance to go up there yet, but I like them because they are close. I haven't really talked to any of their coaches yet."
Although it's still early in the process for Simonds and all the attention is still pretty new, one school seems to be way out front in their quest to eventually receive his signature.
"I like Mississippi State the most by far."
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