James Simmons, a veteran coach with over 20 years of player development experience has joined the UNCG women’s basketball program as a assistant coach according to an announcement by head coach Wendy Palmer.
“I am thrilled to welcome James to the UNCG family,” Palmer said. “He is a hard working, confident and focused coach with an established reputation for skill development. He has the ability to build strong relationships and challenge our players to grow and excel. James brings a wealth of knowledge to the staff and will undoubtedly enhance this program.”
Simmons spent the last two seasons at Towson University under head coach Niki Reid Geckeler. In his first season at Towson, Simmons worked with forward LaTorri Hines-Allen, who earned second team All-CAA honors after posting 14.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
During his coaching career, Simmons has tutored 56 all-conference players, 11 All-Americans, six player of the year award recipients, four defensive player of the year honorees, two Lou Henson Mid-Major All-Americans and one Bob Cousy Award Finalist (for the best point guard in the country).
In addition, Simmons has seen 32 of his players go on to play professionally, either in the NBA, WNBA, ABA or overseas. That group includes Allyson Hardy (LA Sparks, Italy), John Smith (Washington Wizards, China), Gil Goodrich (Australia, ABA), Rachill Robinson (Germany), Mona-Gail Baker (Canary Islands), Tim Washington (ABA, Spain) and more.
Prior to his arrival in Towson, Simmons spent two years working as an assistant for current Towson Head Coach Niki Reid Geckeler at Howard. Under his guidance the Bison reached the postseason in consecutive years.
Before heading to Howard, Simmons spent three years as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at Hampton University. There he was in charge of player development, film breakdown, scouting, recruiting and assisting with day-to-day operations. Simmons helped Hampton capture the 2011 MEAC Tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament.
Simmons spent 10 years working at Bowie State with both the men’s and the women’s basketball programs as an assistant coach, the associate head coach and as an interim head coach. Bowie State made three appearances in the NCAA Division II tournament, was the 2003-04 CIAA Champions and were ranked as the No. 1 team in the country while Simmons was on staff.
He also served as the assistant boys’ varsity coach at Laurel High School for six seasons. Simmons earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Va.
Photo Courtesy UNC-Greensboro
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