By ADAM ZAGORIA
NEW YORK — After taking an official visit to Tennessee last weekend for the Kentucky game, Anfernee Simons plans to visit N.C. State Feb. 9-11.
“N.C. State in February,” Simons said after going for 28 points as his IMG Academy (FL) postgrad team lost to Our Saviour Lutheran, 95-90, in an exciting game at the Big Apple Basketball Invitational at Xavier High School in Manhattan.
Seton Hall signee Jared Rhoden had 33 points in the win for Our Savior, and Maryland-bound guard Eric Ayala notched 24 for IMG in the loss.
Following the loss to Our Saviour, Simons and his IMG Academy took the bus up to the Hoophall Classic to face Vermont Academy on Sunday afternoon. Vermont Academy star and Vanderbilt commit Simi Shittu did not play because of a knee injury.
“I’m good friends with him,” Simons said.
Some 15 NBA scouts attended the game Sunday, when Simons went for 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting in IMG Academy’s 81-78 win.
“Yeah, I’m just going in and try to win games, that’s pretty much it,” Simons said.
Since de-committing from Louisville in September in the wake of the FBI investigation, Simons, ranked No. 8 in the 2018 ESPN 100, said in addition to Tennessee he’s also been hearing from N.C. State, SMU, Dayton, Florida, UCLA and South Carolina, among others. He’s also eligible for the NBA Draft, but won’t make that decision until after the season. He enjoyed the atmosphere for the Vols’ 76-65 victory over No. 17 Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena. “It was pretty good, I like Coach [Rick] Barnes,” he said. “He’s real hands on with his players. He cares about their development.” Asked about the environment, he said, “Yeah, it was pretty crazy. They said it was the most packed since the North Carolina game. I mean it was pretty crazy and I was happy they got the win.” Asked if he could see himself playing for the Vols, Simons said, “Yeah, yeah, I could see myself playing there.” Simons will wait until sometime this spring to decide between testing the NBA Draft waters or picking a college. “Yeah, decide when it’s the best time to decide which college I’m going to go to or go to the NBA,” he said. “I’m just going to keep working.”A taste of what Anfernee Simons brings to the table athletically from the layup lines of the @HoophallClassic. Explosiveness is off the charts. Simons finished with 29 points in IMG’s win over Vermont Academy. 15 NBA scouts were in the building, as he’s 2018 NBA draft-eligible. pic.twitter.com/hNYeUuqHeL
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 14, 2018
