Simmons signs with Warriors, boosts team’s backcourt
By Matt Oliver
INDIANAPOLIS – Following a standout career in the Hoosier State, Myles Simmons looks to strengthen the backcourt of the Waldorf University men’s basketball team in the coming years.
Simmons, a 6-foot-3 senior at Herron High School, signed a letter of intent with the Warriors on April 5.
“Myles is a great addition to our team,” Waldorf coach Nigel Jenkins said. “He is a versatile player who can play all three guard positions. He has a great IQ and skill set that we were looking for in a young guard.”
As a senior, Simmons averaged 21.9 points, seven assists, four steals and four rebounds a game while leading Herron to the Class 3A state tournament. He was a two-year varsity starter for the Achaeans and recorded a career-high 41 points.
Simmons capped his senior season with All-City Team honors. Playing top-notch opponents throughout high school prepares him to compete at the collegiate level.
“He has played against very good competition in the city of Indianapolis and did very well,” Jenkins said. “Those experiences will serve him well here. He doesn’t back down from anyone, and he has a huge upside.”
Simmons is the son of Eric and Lysa Simmons. He will pursue a business degree at Waldorf. Simmons is grateful for the chance to play at the next level. He said he chose to attend the university due to its small feel and the fact that the basketball team’s coaching staff outlined what he needs to do to help the team achieve success.
“It means a lot,” Simmons said. “It means I get the opportunity to keep playing the sport I love. I liked the small feel [of the university] and the way the coaches made expectations clear.”
Simmons becomes the fourth member of Waldorf’s 2016-17 recruiting class, joining Minnesota recruits Brady Kuchinka, Jacob Dale and Ashford University transfer Deshawn King. The Warriors begin their second year in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) next season, and Simmons is expected to be a factor in their success.
“He is a great fit for our university, community and our program,” Jenkins said. “We look for him to compete right away as a true freshman next season.”