NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Former Louisville commit Anfernee Simons made his 2017-18 debut for IMG Academy (FL) on Friday at the National Prep Showcase.
The 6-foot-4, 183-pound Simons was playing for the first time since breaking his right hand about six weeks ago and appeared a little rusty, but still showcased his skills. N.C. State was two deep including head coach Kevin Keatts while Tennessee assistant Rob Lanier was also on hand.
“Yeah, it was my first game back,” he said after scoring 9 points in IMG’s 78-75 win over Notre Dame Prep. “Didn’t shoot the ball well but tried to come with good energy on the defensive end. This is my first time actually playing live.”
Anfernee Simons hits his guy Jaylen Sebree ⚡️ @AnferneeSimons @Jay2Sebree @IMGABasketball @NERRHoops pic.twitter.com/Umm0FqIOcb
— Overtime (@overtime) November 17, 2017
Since decimating from Louisville in September in the wake of the FBI investigation, Simons, ranked No. 8 in the 2018 ESPN 100, said he’s been hearing from N.C. State, Tennessee, SMU, Dayton, Florida, UCLA and South Carolina, among others.
As for N.C. State, Keatts is hot on his trail.
“They need a point guard to go next year, so they’re going to give me the keys to the program,” Simons said.
Tennessee has a similar message.
“I can make a real big impact right away and get them to a higher level because they’re on the verge of becoming big-time,” Simons said.
South Carolina is also in pursuit.
“Just come in and work and see the results,” he said.
Dayton “wants me to come in and play right away.”
Simons plans to figure out some visits in “during January and February” and then commit in the spring.
“Yeah, probably in the spring,” he said.
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