Freshman forward Tae Simmons is set to make his mark on the San Diego State University (SDSU) basketball team. The talented newcomer expressed a deep connection to the Aztecs, stating, “It was just everything I loved in a program.” Simmons, a four-star recruit from Heritage Christian High School in Los Angeles, is eager to contribute to the team’s success right away.
Simmons’s journey to SDSU began when he attended a packed game. Although he was being recruited by Utah State, the electric atmosphere of the game at SDSU captivated him. “I remember just seeing the absolutely crazy atmosphere of this conference game, and I was blown away,” he recalled. This experience solidified his desire to play for the Aztecs. He even called his mother immediately after, sharing that if he received an offer, he wanted to join the team.
Having been a three-time all-state and all-league player, Simmons was ranked as high as the 21st best forward in his recruiting class. His confidence in the team’s potential is evident. “I’m just excited,” he said. “I know we have a chance to make it far. I’m not coming in here thinking my chance to make it far will be my junior or senior year. I don’t have to wait.”
Looking ahead, Simmons believes that this season offers a unique opportunity. He stated, “A lot of people go into their programs thinking maybe I can win one in two to three years, but I think I can win one this year. We can win one this year, so that’s the most exciting part for me.”
As he adapts to the rigors of college basketball, Simmons is focused on meeting the coaching staff’s high expectations. He recognizes that the team prioritizes defense above all. “The standard is defense,” he explained. “The defensive standard is up here, but the reason I’m so excited to be here is because the coaches won’t settle for less.” Simmons appreciates the emphasis on defensive skills and is prepared to contribute in that area rather than primarily focusing on scoring.
The Aztecs will kick off their season on November 4, 2023, with a home game against Long Beach State. As Simmons steps into this new chapter of his basketball career, both fans and teammates are eager to see how his talents will unfold on the court.
