The July recruiting period is now wrapped up, and the Husky basketball coaching staff is now working on putting the finishing touches to their 2014 recruiting class while also beginning their groundwork on their 2015 targets. Past interviews [Marquese Chriss]
Justin Simon is a 6-foot-4 2015 guard from Temecula, Calif. Along with a scholarship offer from Washington, Santa Clara, New Mexico, San Jose St., San Diego, USC, UC Irvine, San Diego St., and California have also offered Simon. Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN Recruiting Nation, the high school junior can have the impact on the court in a variety of ways because of athleticism, motor, and long frame. UW Dawg Pound interviewed Simon last week to learn more about his skill-set and his recruitment.
Justin Simon 2012-2013 High School Mixtape (6'4" Sophomore Guard) (via BallerVisions)
How did you summer go?
This summer I just spent a lot of time traveling and playing basketball. I gained a lot of confidence at the Hoop Group Elite Camp in Philadelphia. Our team did well in July. I really like what I was able to accomplish this summer.
When did you recruitment start to pick up?
I'd say by the third weekend of July. People heard about how I played in the spring and I just started to get some more interest from schools on the East Coast, Midwest and West Coast.
What would you say are your main strengths as a player?
My strengths are my ability to getting to the basket and finish. I also keep my defender honest by being able to hit jump shots and finding open guys. I'm also good from defense to offense in transition with my ability to find the open shooters and getting in the lane to finish above the rim. Defensively, I can guard the one through the four, my 6-foot-10 wingspan helps me get steals and deflections. I'm working on improving my lateral speed.
Is there a certain NBA or NCAA player that you try to model your game after?
I've been told that I look like Kevin Durant but someone recently told me that I could be like a Tyreke Evans - a big guard that can play the one, two or three. I like that, so I'm going to keep my eyes on him and see how he plays and adjust my game accordingly. For my team this year, I played more of a Tony Parker role, going off the pick-and-rolls and trying to find open teammates and getting myself into the lane as well.
What's your go-to move?
You know, I don't know. I like to keep it simple, but I like to use spins, go behind-the-back. I'm the type that likes to keep it simple - nothing fancy.
What's your height and weight?
I'm around 6-foot-4 and a half and 180lbs.
You're listed at different positions, what position do you see yourself at, and what do coaches see you at?
I'm a team guy, I put my team first, so I'll play the two or the three if someone else is playing point guard. Most schools are recruiting me as a point guard with some recruiting me as a two - some are just recruiting me as an athlete at this point.
How's your recruitment picking up?
I like everybody right now. I'm just enjoying being a kid and this dream of getting recruited right now. I'm just stay humble and keep working.
How did you end up landing a scholarship offer from Washington?
Head Coach Lorenzo and Coach Chill. Coach Lorenzo called me and we had a great conversation. He told me what he liked about me and gave me stuff to work one, gave me the history of the University of Washington, some facts about the school. I really liked it. I was really excited when I got the call because I like Washington a lot. He told me if I want the offer, I have it, I just said 'Thank you, I appreciate it.' And he told me to keep working and that we'll keep in touch.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm looking to just improve my game and continue being a leader on and off the court - vocally. Just being a basketball player. Getting better each and everyday in the gym. That's what it's about.