John Calipari targets his 2016 point guard in Kobi Simmons

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Now that the open recruiting period is in full swing, John Calipari is putting the finishing touches on his 2015 Kentucky Wildcats roster and looking ahead to 2016. As we all know, the point guard is usually the crown jewel of John Calipari’s offense and just to be recruited as a Calipari point guard is seen as a badge of honor. Next year, Kentucky has Tyler Ulis and Isaiah Briscoe slated to run the point, but the odds that one or both may be gone to the NBA are fairly high. In that effort to continually reload, 2016 five-star point guard Kobi Simmons has gotten an offer.

"Simmons, a 6-foot-5 player for St. Francis High in Alpharetta who’s rated No. 5 nationally in the 2016 class by ESPN.com, received an offer Monday night from UK coach John Calipari, Simmons’ dad, Demond Stephens, confirmed.“He was very excited!” Blessed,” Stephens wrote in a text message describing his son’s reaction.UK joins a long list of major teams, including Kansas, Arizona, North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio State., to make an offer to Simmons, an electric open-court player who excels at attacking the rim. He played over the weekend with his Atlanta Celtics club team at the Adidas Gauntlet session in Dallas, and hordes of coaches reportedly watched his games."

Kobi Simmons is 6’5 and is rated the #5 player in the 2016 class by ESPN and the #13th by Rivals. Here is a bit of how ESPN rates him, along at a look at his mix tape.

"Strengths:Simmons is a long and quick combination guard that can score and distribute the ball. Excellent first step as he slashes in between defenders. Rhythm dribble three point shooter can get in a scoring flow and rhythm and has dominating possessions in transition and the halfcourt as well. Capable of defending both guard positions. At his best and most confident when he plays to his strengths and not worry about position.Weaknesses:Simmons should have adding strength at the top of his to do list and work to be a consistent performer. When he worries about playing on or off the ball he is not as confident and it takes away from his production. Improve decisions at times and add strength.Bottom Line:Simmons is a true point with length, skills, and feel for the game. He can get others involved and score as much as needed and in a variety of ways. Simmons is a long, athletic playmaking combination guard that is a high major prospect when tremendous upside."

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