Tag: Aamir Simms

Clemson transfer receiving interest from South Carolina

A former Clemson starter, who recently entered the NCAA transfer portal, is reportedly receiving interest from South Carolina. The Gamecocks are among the teams interested in former Tiger guard Nick Honor, according to CBS Sports College Basketball …

A former Clemson starter, who recently entered the NCAA transfer portal, is reportedly receiving interest from South Carolina.

The Gamecocks are among the teams interested in former Tiger guard Nick Honor, according to CBS Sports College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein on Twitter.

In addition to South Carolina, Honor told Rothstein that he’s receiving interest from Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Cal, SMU, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, South Florida and Grand Canyon.

Former Clemson basketball standout Aamir Simms is fine with his former teammate landing at any of the aforementioned schools — just not rival South Carolina.

“He better not go to university little bro,” Simms posted on Twitter, in response to Rothstein’s tweet. “anywhere but there”

Honor, the Tigers’ starting point guard in 25 of 33 games this past season, averaged 7.7 points and had a team-best 79 assists. He shot 32.5% from 3-point range, a career-low for the 5-foot-10, 195-pounder.

Honor has averaged 10.6 points and 2.5 points during his college career, which began at Fordham. Honor spent three seasons at Clemson after transferring in following the 2018-19 season.

–Photo for this article courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

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Hall an ‘important guy’ as Clemson hoops begin life without Simms

For the last couple of seasons, Clemson’s frontcourt has relied heavily on one of the more consistent bigs in the ACC. Aamir Simms broke out during his junior season, averaging 13 points and 7.2 rebounds. It was good enough for him to declare for …

For the last couple of seasons, Clemson’s frontcourt has relied heavily on one of the more consistent bigs in the ACC.

Aamir Simms broke out during his junior season, averaging 13 points and 7.2 rebounds. It was good enough for him to declare for the NBA Draft following the 2019-20 season, but the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder ultimately opted to withdraw his name from the draft and return to Clemson for a senior season. He averaged 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds last season.

By the time it ended, Simms had eclipsed 1,000 points for his career. He was a key cog in the Tigers making two of the last three NCAA Tournaments, but now Clemson coach Brad Brownell is tasked with replacing the production left behind by Simms, who’s now with the New York Knicks.

For Brownell, that starts with PJ Hall.

“Really think it’s his time to take a big step,” Brownell said. “Excited to watch him have the opportunity. He’s worked really hard. His body looks much better. Physically, I think he’s in a better place than he was a year ago. Mentally, he’s excited about the opportunity.”

The Tigers have other frontcourt options. Senior forward Hunter Tyson averaged 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 19 games (12 starts) a season ago. Youngstown State transfer Naz Bohannon was a 1,200-point scorer at his previous school and should step in as an immediate contributor, and Ben Middlebrooks could get some minutes as a 6-10, 232-pound freshman.

But none of them came to Clemson with as much hype as Hall, the state’s top-ranked recruit coming out of Spartanburg’s Dorman High School last year. A consensus top-60 recruit nationally, Hall bided his time as a true freshman, appearing in 21 games off the bench. He averaged 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in almost 10 minutes per game.

But Brownell said he’s been pleased with the progress Hall has made after a season in which Clemson went 16-8 overall and 10-6 in ACC play before falling to Rutgers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. If the Tigers are going to repeat that success or perhaps improve on it, Hall will have to do his part in what’s shaping up to be his biggest role yet in a Clemson uniform.

“He has to be productive. He’s got to take a big step forward, and I’m optimistic that he’ll do that,” Brownell said. “There’s no question the loss of Aamir hurts. We did a lot of things through him. We won’t do quite as many things through PJ right now, but he’s going to get a lot of touches and he’s going to have to make some plays for us. He’ll be excited about that, so he’s certainly an important guy.”

Hall and the rest of the Tigers will take the court for the first time this season Monday in an exhibition against Georgia Southwestern State. Clemson will begin the regular season Nov. 9 against Presbyterian at Littlejohn Coliseum.

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Former Clemson star discusses Lawrence’s NFL debut and how they formed a bond

A former Clemson standout made time to watch Trevor Lawrence in his NFL regular season debut. Former Tiger forward Aamir Simms, who officially signed with the New York Knicks in August, tuned in to watch Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars play …

A former Clemson standout made time to watch Trevor Lawrence in his NFL regular season debut.

Former Tiger forward Aamir Simms, who officially signed with the New York Knicks in August, tuned in to watch Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars play the Houston Texans on Sunday from his apartment in New York following a voluntary scrimmage.

Lawrence completed 28-of-51 passed for 332 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions in the Jaguars’ 37-21 loss.

“I don’t think it was bad,” Simms said of Lawrence’s performance in an interview with The New York Post. “He doesn’t really make many mistakes in a game. He’s a very smart player, analytical. He remembers when he messes up. He won’t make those same mistakes. It was his first game. I thought he looked good at times making some nice pays. He’ll grow from here.”

According to The Post, Simms and Lawrence formed a bond during the pandemic when they were both at Clemson and Lawrence invited Simms to his house off campus to shoot some hoops and work on his game when all gyms and Clemson athletic facilities were shut down.

“We developed a friendship during the COVID year at his house,” Simms said. “It was cement ground, a paved area. But it allowed me to work on my game and stay in shape so when we came back I could be the top of my game. I have respect he invited me.”

Knicks rookie Aamir Simms shares thoughts on the debut of his friend, Jags QB Trevor Lawrence

“I thought he looked good at times making some nice pays,” the Knicks forward said. “He’ll grow from here.”

When it comes to learning a professional game as a rookie, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence isn’t the only player from Clemson trying to find his way. His friend and New York Knicks rookie Aamir Simms is dealing with the same thing as he’s trying to seize an opportunity and make the team’s active roster after receiving an Exhibit 10 tryout contract.

Despite being a very busy person at this point of the year, Simms told the New York Post that he got the chance to watch Lawrence, who he got to know when the COVID-19 pandemic started. During the period where many public buildings were closed, Simms told the New York Post that Lawrence invited the former Clemson basketball player to the house he was staying in off campus, which allowed him to practice. During those workouts, there were even times where Lawrence would join him and that act of kindness is something he hasn’t forgotten about to this day.

“We developed a friendship during the COVID year at his house,” Simms said. “It was cement ground, a paved area. But it allowed me to work on my game and stay in shape so when we came back I could be the top of my game. I have respect he invited me.”

As for how he thought Lawrence fared against Houston, Simms said he felt the Jags rookie had a performance where he made some good plays and added that he believes Lawrence will grow from the mistakes he made.

“I don’t think it was bad,” Simms said. “He doesn’t really make many mistakes in a game. He’s a very smart player, analytical. He remembers when he messes up. He won’t make those same mistakes. It was his first game. I thought he looked good at times making some nice pays. He’ll grow from here.”

Simms certainly knows his friend very well as Lawrence admitted that his picks were a result of trying to do too much. However, he seemed more than confident that he would be able to use the negatives in his debut as teaching moments and added that his focus was on to the next game.

“I know I’m going to respond well,” he said. “I’m made of the right stuff, so I don’t have any doubt about that. But it’s frustrating, and I hate losing. I hate losing. So we’re going to get better. But that’s all you can do is watch the tape, learn from it, get better, and move on. We’ve just got to stick together. That’s the main thing. That’s kind of in the past. That’s over. It is what it is. We’ve got to move on to next week and stick together. So it’s going to be good.”

Former Clemson standout comes to defense of Uiagalelei

A former Clemson standout has D.J. Uiagalelei’s back. Former Tiger and current New York Knicks forward Aamir Simms took to social media on Sunday in defense of Clemson’s sophomore quarterback, who went 19-of-37 passing for 178 yards with one …

A former Clemson standout has D.J. Uiagalelei’s back.

Former Tiger and current New York Knicks forward Aamir Simms took to social media on Sunday in defense of Clemson’s sophomore quarterback, who went 19-of-37 passing for 178 yards with one interception and was sacked seven times in the third-ranked Tigers’ 10-3 loss to the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night in Charlotte.

Simms took exception with Clemson fans who have criticized Uiagalelei’s performance and voiced his opinion on Twitter.

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Knicks officially sign Simms

The New York Knicks officially signed former Tiger Aamir Simms on Thursday. Simms played for Clemson from 2017-2021 and now has a chance to make a difference at the next level. OFFICIAL: The Knicks sign Dwayne Bacon & Aamir Simms. #NewYorkForever …

The New York Knicks officially signed former Tiger Aamir Simms on Thursday.

Simms played for Clemson from 2017-2021 and now has a chance to make a difference at the next level.

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Simms opens up to TCI about his NBA future

Clemson standout Aamir Simms’ NBA dreams became reality on Friday when he signed with the Knicks as an undrafted free agent. Simms earned All-ACC honors twice as a Tiger with second-team honors in 2019-20 and third team honors this past season. He …

Clemson standout Aamir Simms’ NBA dreams became reality on Friday when he signed with the Knicks as an undrafted free agent.

Simms earned All-ACC honors twice as a Tiger with second-team honors in 2019-20 and third team honors this past season. He also served as an ambassador for the program and Clemson community as whole in his four seasons in orange and white.

The Clemson Insider spoke with Simms about his deal with New York and reflected on his time in Tiger Town.

“It’s a blessing to be in the position I am today,” Simms said. “I’m thankful for the Knicks for giving me the opportunity to prove that I belong in this league and can make immediate impact! I’m really eager to get to work in continue to develop at a high level with high level players and coaches.”

Simms asserted himself in elite company during his time in Littlejohn Coliseum. He was the fourth player in program history to record 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 150 assists, 75 steals and 75 blocks in his career and joined Clemson legends Trevor Booker, Horace Grant and Larry Nance who all went on to successful NBA careers.

He finished 34th all-time in Clemson history in scoring with 1,133 points and was the 15th Tiger to score 1,000 points and pull down 600 rebounds.

Simms felt his time on the hardwood for head coach Brad Brownell prepared him for this moment and an NBA future.

“Clemson put me in a position to adapt quickly to stressful environments, develop an IQ and skillset that translates to the modern day NBA,” Simms said.

But the things Simms will miss most about Clemson is the family environment and realtionships with his teammates.

Simms excelled off the court as well and became the second Tiger to win the Skip Prosser Award for the nations top scholar athlete in men’s basketball when he received the reward earlier this year. He joined former Clemson standout Cliff Hammonds who won the award in 2008.

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Simms opens up to TCI about his NBA future

Clemson standout Aamir Simms’ NBA dreams became reality on Friday when he signed with the Knicks as an undrafted free agent. Simms earned All-ACC honors twice as a Tiger with second-team honors in 2019-20 and third team honors this past season. He …

Clemson standout Aamir Simms’ NBA dreams became reality on Friday when he signed with the Knicks as an undrafted free agent.

Simms earned All-ACC honors twice as a Tiger with second-team honors in 2019-20 and third team honors this past season. He also served as an ambassador for the program and Clemson community as whole in his four seasons in orange and white.

The Clemson Insider spoke with Simms about his deal with New York and reflected on his time in Tiger Town.

“It’s a blessing to be in the position I am today,” Simms said. “I’m thankful for the Knicks for giving me the opportunity to prove that I belong in this league and can make immediate impact! I’m really eager to get to work in continue to develop at a high level with high level players and coaches.”

Simms asserted himself in elite company during his time in Littlejohn Coliseum. He was the fourth player in program history to record 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 150 assists, 75 steals and 75 blocks in his career and joined Clemson legends Trevor Booker, Horace Grant and Larry Nance who all went on to successful NBA careers.

He finished 34th all-time in Clemson history in scoring with 1,133 points and was the 15th Tiger to score 1,000 points and pull down 600 rebounds.

Simms felt his time on the hardwood for head coach Brad Brownell prepared him for this moment and an NBA future.

“Clemson put me in a position to adapt quickly to stressful environments, develop an IQ and skillset that translates to the modern day NBA,” Simms said.

But the things Simms will miss most about Clemson is the family environment and realtionships with his teammates.

Simms excelled off the court as well and became the second Tiger to win the Skip Prosser Award for the nations top scholar athlete in men’s basketball when he received the reward earlier this year. He joined former Clemson standout Cliff Hammonds who won the award in 2008.

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Clemson standout signs with NBA team

Clemson University men’s basketball’s Aamir Simms has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New York Knicks. Details of the contract have not been announced. Simms was a two-time All-ACC player after receiving third-team recognition in …

Clemson University men’s basketball’s Aamir Simms has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New York Knicks. Details of the contract have not been announced.

Simms was a two-time All-ACC player after receiving third-team recognition in 2019-20 and second-team honors in 2020-21. Simms was the only player in the league to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists and is doing so for the second consecutive season. It has only been done six times previously in ACC history.

The Palmyra, Va., senior tied his career high of 25 points twice last season, including in wins at Miami (Jan. 2) and against Georgia Tech at home (Feb. 12). He netted double figures in 14 games last season and has amassed three double-doubles.

Simms became just the fourth player in Clemson history to amass 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 150 assists, 75 steals and 75 blocks in a career – joining Trevor Booker, Horace Grant and Larry Nance. He surpassed 1,000 career points and finished 34th all-time in Clemson history with 1,122 points. He is just the 15th player in Clemson history to amass totals of 1,000 points and 600 rebounds in a career. He finished 20th all-time in rebounding with 636.

He was named to the Top 10 of the Karl Malone Award, which recognizes the nation’s best power forward. Simms also earned a spot on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award Watch List, which included just 14 other players.

Simms was named the recipient of the 2021 “Skip” Prosser Award, emblematic of the top scholar-athlete in men’s basketball. Simms was a three-time member of the All-ACC Academic Basketball team. The Palmyra, Va., senior carried a 3.25 GPA with a major in sport communications, including a 3.60 GPA in the Fall of 2019 and earning Dean’s List honors in the Fall of 2020. He completed two, for-credit internships with the non-profit US Play Coalition.

Simms is Clemson’s second honoree of the Skip Prosser Award. Cliff Hammonds won the inaugural award back in 2008.

–Courtesy Clemson Athletic Communications

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Live tracker: Here is where the top undrafted free agents have signed

The 2021 NBA draft has come and gone but the draft cycle still continues for a bit longer as the undrafted free agents find their new homes.

The 2021 NBA draft has come and gone but the draft cycle still continues for a bit longer as the undrafted free agents find their new homes.

While the following prospects didn’t get to hear their name called by the commissioner or deputy commissioner on Thursday night, they can find solace in the fact that their path to the pros is far from over. It’s not unheard of for an undrafted free agent to carve out a role for themselves in the NBA.

Some notable names, including Gonzaga’s Joel Ayayi and G League Ignite’s Daishen Nix, will join the fraternity of undrafted basketball players who hope to still make a name for themselves in the NBA.

Here is where the best remaining prospects have landed so far, according to reports: