SJU Hits the Trifecta

Shawn Simmons of Hillcrest Prep (AZ) commits to Saint Joe’s.

Carey Smith

August 20, 2022 @ 05:20 PM

A few hours ago, Head Coach Billy Lange and the Saint Joseph's University Hawks program received a verbal commitment from four-star prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1219860' first='Shawn' last='Simmons']. For Lange and his staff, the Simmons commit makes the third major impact Class of 2023 prospect to verbal to the Hawks in the last two months. Needles to say the SJU program is on fire.   Below is a review of the three program defining 2023 prospects who recently chose Hawk Hill over numerous other offers.   [player_tooltip player_id='991334' first='Xzayvier' last='Brown'] – 6'2” / Roman Catholic / [program_tooltip program_id='2078682' first='K-Low' last='Elite'] / Point Guard: Over the last year, Brown was one of the biggest stock risers in Pennsylvania. He is the #8 ranked prospect in the state in our updated rankings. Brown is the textbook definition of a floor general style of lead guard and will be an extension of Lange on the floor. In the transition game he makes all the right decisions and rarely turns the ball over. In the half-court he is poised and able to get any team into their sets. Brown also displays a good feel for when the squad needs a bucket and can score the ball at all three levels. During the 2021-22 season he posted 14 ppg.; 4.7; 6.2 apg.; and shot 43% on threes while leading Roman to the 6A state championship. He was selected as a 1st Team All-PCL selection and was a POY nominee.   [player_tooltip player_id='1116024' first='Anthony' last='Finkley'] – 6'6” / Roman Catholic / [program_tooltip program_id='2078682' first='K-Low' last='Elite'] / Wing: One of the most unique prospects in the area, Finkley spent most of last season at Huntington Prep in West Virginia before departing the school at winter break. He enrolled at Roman Catholic in January but did not receive clearance to compete in games during the 2021-22 season for Roman. Finkley is an extremely versatile and athletic baller who excels in a hybrid point-forward role. He owns good handles, excellent court vision / passing skills and he can drain the 3-ball. On the interior, Finkley's length and smooth footwork allow him to score from either block with either hand.   [player_tooltip player_id='1219860' first='Shawn' last='Simmons'] – 6'6” / Hillcrest Prep (AZ) / Team Durant / Wing: Simmons (pic above) is the most well-known of the three 2023 prospects headed to SJU as on most national recruiting sites he is ranked among the top 50 prospects. The Philadelphia native spent time at Monsignor Bonner, Friends Central and Life Center (NJ) before heading out west to Hillcrest Prep. Hillcrest is a basketball powerhouse program that ended the 2021-22 season ranked at #21 in ESPN's final high school poll. Simmons (13ppg.; 8 rpg.; & 2 apg. in 2021-22) is an elite athlete with length and insane hops who can score the rock from anywhere on the floor. He is a highly entertaining transition player. Last season Simmons' highlights included a 28 point, 14 rebound, 4 steals and 5 blocks performance against the Park School. For several years now Simmons has been a consistent standout performer at the Difference Maker Elite Runs over in Jersey.

A few hours ago, Head Coach Billy Lange and the Saint Joseph's University Hawks program received a verbal commitment from four-star prospect Bryan Simmons Bryan Simmons 5'10" | SF #175 Nation PA . For Lange and his staff, the Simmons commit makes the third major impact Class of 2023 prospect to verbal to the Hawks in the last two months. Needles to say the SJU program is on fire.