Arizona Basketball is going to lose an exciting young guard next season; Justin Simon wants to transfer to a school where he can get more playing time.
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The news came this morning as a shock to some and not to others. It was clear that Justin was frustrated sitting on the bench, especially when he felt he could get into a game and change the pace. Can’t say you could blame him, he just wanted to play the game he loves.
Zack Rosenblatt reported that Gabe York bumped into Simon’s mom in Fullerton, California and it was evident she was disappointed. He also found out that York understood what Justin was going through, it’s not easy to constantly being asked about why he isn’t playing. York, of all Wildcats, does understand.
Simon made the most of his minutes when he was on the court; his field goal shot percentage was a respectable 51.2%, and he made an average of at least one rebound per game, recording assists and rebounds.
| n | G | MP | FG | FG% | 2P | 2P% | 3P | 3P% | FT | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 24 | 180 | 23 | .500 | 22 | .512 | 1 | .333 | 9 | .429 | 7 | 22 | 29 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 56 |
| Career | 24 | 180 | 23 | .500 | 22 | .512 | 1 | .333 | 9 | .429 | 7 | 22 | 29 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 56 |
Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table
Generated 3/28/2016.
Most fans we heard from saw a lot of potential in Simon, were disappointed he was leaving. That said, they did understand why he would want to leave. He has three years of eligibility remaining, once he sits out a season.
Ryan Anderson transferred for his senior year to Arizona, so Arizona gets benefits from transfers as well. On top of it, with the incoming class, and his experience this season, it was 50/50 iff he was going to stay.
Statement from Sean Miller on Justin Simon’s decision to transfer from Arizona pic.twitter.com/ArL0f1opX3
— Matt Moreno (@MattRMoreno) March 28, 2016
ZonaZealots writers took to Twitter for a passionate discussion about Simon’s decision and how we felt.
Shereen Rayan, ZZ Editor/Writer
The first time I had the privilege to watch Arizona freshman guard Justin Simon play in person was at the Ball is Life showcase. Justin was a contestant in the dunk contest. I had gotten to know him through an interview and met him in person. I was instantly impressed with this young man. And he could dunk with the best of them.
Simon has mad dribbling skills, something we could have used this season, and made sure he scored each and every time he had a chance to play for coach Sean Miller. He played with no fear, a trait I feel he shares with freshman teammate Chance Comanche. There is nothing timid in either of them when they play in college.
During the season, ZonaZealots called for more of Justin Simon; he gave the team new energy when he was allowed to play. It is very hard to get better when you aren’t playing, and he must have been itching to play when the team went cold. I am sad that I won’t be able to watch him grow in an Arizona uniform because I feel he has a ton of potential. I get he wants a bigger role, and I wish the best for him.
Heck, it worked for Angelo Chol who transferred to San Diego State, he got more playing time. Just don’t know if he got more exposure.
Eric Townsend, ZZ Writer
I can understand why he left, because of minutes, and the fact college basketball is a business and winning now is always important, especially for a school like Arizona. With that said, handlers sometimes give bad advice, and I understand Simon is frustrated with his situation, but definitely a bummer he left.
While he may not leave a hole next year, that hole may be felt 2-3 years from now when we don’t have that experienced, veteran guy.
Mark Barrera, ZZ Writer
It’s disappointing to see him leave. I understand what he is thinking, though. He barely got playing time this year when I honestly think he should have. So what would make him think he’d see more time next year with Kobi and Rawle coming in?
Now, having said that this is Arizona. You know Miller is going to bring in top players every year. You have to expect a battle each season. If Simon stuck to the process, he could have been very valuable. Similar to Gabe now, and Jason Terry. But I wish him nothing but the best moving forward.
Peggy McClain, ZZ Writer
High School basketball players want to go to Arizona because it’s so great, but Arizona doesn’t owe them playing time. Why not stay and learn from the best? It’s a learning process. Sit, learn, and wait your turn. Earn your stripes like Jason Terry did.
Ryan Reyes, ZZ Writer
I think that he is making the best decision for him. Next year’s class not even complete but we have quite a few players coming back and will be expecting more playing time cutting his minutes. His game was pleasing to the eye even if his contributions to the squad were limited he played his role.
Clint Jessup, ZZ Writer
Not too surprising to me, but makes me think he knows Trier is coming back. Fair to speculate that it influenced his decision. He said it is about playing time and a player of his ability should be confident in taking minutes from Allen, and with his experience taking minutes from Simmons and Alkins.
I would think it has more to do with Trier or Josh Jackson, with either of them in the mix, there aren’t enough minutes to go around.
Miguel Gonzales, ZZ Writer
I understand he is frustrated and wants more time, but it’s time coaches start showing kids that playing time is not something you’re given, you have to earn it! Look at Victor at LSU. Yes, he got his minutes but how many minutes did he get in the Tourney? This is D1 college basketball, not high school.
You earn your spot and know that coach is teaching you his way to play better. Best of luck to Simon, but remember more minutes doesn’t mean you have learned more. Sorry to say this but it’s what sports is turning into; every kid feels entitled to play but sometimes there is someone better, you just got to hit practice and beat them out.
Beardown Justin! May you be successful where ever you land, you will be missed.