Former Arizona Wildcat Kobi Simmons jersey retired at St. Francis HS

“Bet on yourself.” That’s the motto that graces former Arizona Wildcat Kobi Simmons Twitter banner. If you look back at Kobi’s career, that is just what he did, and it paid off.

Kobi Simmons was a star at Saint Francis High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. He took his team to four state championship appearances and won back to back trophies in his Sophomore and Junior Year. He won a total of 100 games while playing for St. Francis and scored 36 points, including seven made three-pointers, in 2016 state semifinals versus Milton HS.

Kobi came out of high school as a five-star recruit and landed on ESPN’s 2016 Top 100 list. He was ranked No. 6 overall as part of a loaded class which included De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky), Lonzo Ball (UCLA), Markelle Fultz (Washington), Frank Jackson (Duke), and Dennis Smith (NC State).

Simmons went on to earn a spot on the McDonald’s All-American team and became the 22nd Wildcat to commit to Arizona Basketball. He scored 12 points and added two assists and one steal in the 2016 McDonald’s All-American Game which isn’t easy to do with all the talent sharing minutes. He also played in the Hoophall Classic where he announced his commitment to Arizona by putting on a block /A\ cap.

Scout.com’s Evan Daniels, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Johnson, spoke highly of Simmons after his performance in the Hoophall Classic:

Arizona Wildcats

"“His game here at the Hoophall Classic was probably the best game I’ve seen since his junior season of high school. It was a very business-like performance from him.” Daniels added, “I noticed some improvement, too, certainly from a confidence standpoint in his long-range ability. He shot the ball pretty well here. He still has kind of a low release point on his shot, but everything else about it looks pretty good.”"

Simon’s stayed close to his alma mater St. Francis, and on Aug. 4th he hosted his KJ2 Camp there for boys and girls, ages 6 to 18. The KJ2 camp “encourages individual growth by providing basketball fundamentals and positive attitudes in a competitive atmosphere where Campers can learn the major vehicles to higher basketball education.” It’s nice to see former Wildcats give back to their communities. And when they retire a players jersey, now that speaks volumes.

St. Francis High School Athletic Director Tweeted out congratulations, “#2 will forever be hanging from the gym rafters at St. Francis High School! CONGRATS @JordanKobi.” Simmons wore the No. 2 at Arizona as well and continues to sport the same jersey number in Memphis playing in the NBA for the Grizzlies.

Here’s a look back at highlights from his 2015 season at St. Francis:

While at Arizona, Simmons showed his play-making and shooting ability while Allonzo Trier was out of the line-up, but then saw his minutes diminish when Trier returned.

Many fans would argue that Simmons’ should have played a lot more after proving his worth, but we know how Miller ticks and he likes to stick with his seasoned players. Miller needs to mix it up more during the season in my opinion, not just stick with seven players but mix it up a bit or he will continue to lose his most experienced players.

Maybe that led to Simmons early departure from Arizona, or maybe it was the incoming class, or perhaps he didn’t like school. But whatever the reason, Kobi believes in himself and has surpassed most media and fans expectations in the pros. It is what it is, and Simmons has made the most of his opportunities.

Here’s a peek at the future. Kobi scored 21 points in 2018 NBA Summer League play in Utah.

We are looking forward to watching Kobi Simmons grow in his professional career as it seems he is on the right track. We can all learn something from him, “Bet on yourself!”