Four-star small forward Aamir Simms, a top-150 prospect in the 2017 class from Dyke, Va., cut his recruitment down to six schools on Wednesday.
Clemson is one of those schools, along with Iowa State, Miami, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and VCU.
The Clemson Insider caught up with Simms about his interest in the Tigers.
“Clemson is one of the most prestigious schools out there,” Sims said. “They’re still progressing and building something, and that’s something I would love to be a part of. Also, the school by itself is beautiful.”
Clemson offered Sims in August 2015, and the 6-foot-7, 215-pounder first visited Clemson for a football game in November.
“What really caught my eye was the energy, love and support behind Clemson with the fans and students,” Simms said of the visit. “Also, the facilities are astonishing, including the gym that is being constructed now. It was really amazing to be on campus and see the technology and architecture of the new facilities.”
Simms is planning to take an official visit to Clemson on Sept. 10 for the Tigers’ game against Troy.
“I should be down there for the first home game,” Simms said. “I’m still getting that locked in with my coaches and my family.”
Simms has built a strong relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff, especially assistant coach Steve Smith, his main recruiter.
Simms said he and coach Smith talk almost every day.
“He checks up on me to see how things are going,” Simms said. “He’s compared my game to (Jaron) Blossomgame and says he can develop me into a pro. He keeps my confidence going and makes sure I keep that type of relationship with Clemson and the staff.”
Simms doesn’t have a firm commitment date in mind, but said he will decide after he takes all of his official visits.
“Not directly after,” Simms said, “but I will probably sit down with my family and coaches one last time to discuss where I will be attending in the fall.”
As a junior at Blue Ridge High School, Simms averaged 14.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. He is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 7 player in Virignia, the nation’s No. 31 small forward and the nation’s No. 133 player overall.
Photo Credit: VantageHoops.com