EYBL riser Ashton Simmons chooses TCU

October 12, 2023 by Max Feldman

THE LEAD

Ashton Simmons, 6-3 guard out of Beaumont, Texas, chooses the TCU Horned Frogs. Offers from around the map filed in this summer, but TCU closed the deal in the end over the likes of Utah, Wichita State and Grand Canyon.

BACKGROUND

Simmons has been a steady force over the past few years playing with JL3, but this past spring and summer was his true coming out party as a high major prospect. Number of programs had been in the mix prior, but the Houston-area guard's recruitment heated up fast these past few months. He averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game with JL3, but turned things up a notch at Peach Jam, putting up 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists per game in Augusta.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Number of options remain on the board, but Jamie Dixon and company have a hard-nosed tandem of Micah Robinson and Simmons locked down prior to their senior campaigns. Now, the focus turns towards Top-150 frontcourt prospects Malick Diallo, Miles Goodman, David Punch and Nic Codie.

MY TAKE

A pressure point on both ends of the floor -- Simmons evolved into one of my favorite under-discussed guard prospects in the senior class this summer. Arguably the most impactful point of attack defender in the class, he's stout, strong and exceptionally quick side-to-side. With each viewing over the past year or so, Simmons has grown more polished as a ball-handler. That progression shined through with JL3, finishing 1st overall in assists per game at Peach Jam. He brings a unique blend of physicality, pop and pace inside the arc and out of ball screens. The next stop in unlocking another level will be as a three point shooter (connected on just 11 threes over the past two summers combined). The in-state product will have the opportunity to carve out a role in the rotation from the jump due to his frame, rugged mentality and defensive aptitude. A hand in glove fit with the identity the Horned Frogs have cemented under Jamie Dixon in recent years.

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