Anfernee Simons is about as elite as they come in basketball. The five-star combo guard is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2018 recruiting cycle right now. And he’s paying Tennessee a visit this weekend.
Simons, the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2018 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, holds over a dozen offers and was once committed to Louisville. But once the FBI probe slammed the Cardinals, Simons opened up his recruitment again. And the Vols have been pursuing him hard ever since.
And he’s visiting the No. 23 Vols as they host No. 17 Kentucky this Saturday.
Florida, UCLA, Florida State, LSU, Memphis, Vanderbilt, and many others have offered Simons. The 6-foot-3, 180 pound guard who plays for IMG Academy in Florida doesn’t just have college on his mind, however. Simons is actually eligible to enter the 2018 NBA Draft if he chooses, and he’s received several strong grades from NBA scouts.
According to NBADraft.net, Simons “shoots very well and consistent from three off both the catch and dribble” and also possesses “above average athleticism…excellent speed with the ball and quick first step…has defensive potential with his length and quickness.”
But that profile also notes that Simons may not be ready for the NBA just yet, pointing out that he needs to add more strength and weight. It also states that he needs to improve his point guard skills before he’s truly ready for the league.
Tennessee currently has no commitments in the 2018 class and only has one scholarship to offer. Rick Barnes and his staff are being picky about who they take in the 2018 class because of that, and Simons has been the No. 1 target ever since his decommitment back in late September.
The No. 23 Vols will host No. 17 Kentucky in Thompson-Boling Arena at 9:00 PM Eastern on Saturday, January 6th. The game is a sellout, the second of the season for Tennessee. The last time Tennessee played in front of a sold out TBA was when the Vols hosted a top 10 North Carolina team. The Vols lost that contest 78-73.
