Forward From New York Signs With UCI

Kevin Simmons, a forward from Brooklyn (N.Y.) Tilden High, has signed a letter of intent with UC Irvine, but his academic eligibility is still in question.

Simmons, 6 feet 8 and 230 pounds, was an all-state and all-city selection last season, averaging 21 points, 17.1 rebounds, five blocked and 4.2 assists. He chose Irvine over Georgia, Nebraska, and Cincinnati.

“When I visited Irvine last weekend, I really liked the team and the fact that the coaches (Rod Baker and assistant Greg Vetrone) were both from New York,” Simmons said.

Simmons hasn’t passed his college entrance exam yet. He is taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test for the third time June 5.

Simmons transferred to Tilden from national power Oak Hill (Va.) Academy after his junior year. He spent his freshman and sophomore years at Christ the King (N.Y.).

He is the third player Irvine has signed during the late signing period. He joins Mark Odsather, a 6-8 forward from Bellevue (Wash.) College and Chris Brown, a 6-2 guard from Bakersfield College.