It has been said that the north is basketball country while the south is football country. The south may be known for football, but when you ask many in the state of Georgia, they will tell you that the Peach…
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It has been said that the north is basketball country while the south is football country. The south may be known for football, but when you ask many in the state of Georgia, they will tell you that the Peach State is a hotbed where talent is developed on the hardwood.
For Maurice Simmons, it was football that got him on the path that he is on now with the game of basketball. A dual-sport athlete in high school, Coach Simmons began his coaching journey leading his son’s football team before finding his niche on the basketball sidelines. Not even having a full year under his belt with the Georgia Express program, Coach Simmons has decided to step out and put his squad to the test by competing on the Inaugural Prep Hoops Next Circuit.
For more information on the Prep Hoops Next Circuit, check out PrepHoopsNext.com/Circuit.
Coach Simmons has a rich history in grassroots basketball scene in the Atlanta area. Many know him as the coach who had the gritty and scrappy team called 94 Feet, adopting a frenetic style reminiscent of greats like Jerry Tarkanian. After a couple of years of success locally and nationally, Coach Simmons teamed up with the Georgia Stars, seeing an opportunity for his players to gain additional exposure. However, the COVID-19 pandemic his the region hard, bringing with it unprecedented changes and challenges. Thus, Coach Simmons felt that a new path awaited his team. In late 2020, he decided to join Georgia Express, founded by the NBA legend and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. It is from this platform that Coach Simmons will be competing on the Prep Hoops Next Circuit.
He is convinced that their style will cause a lot of problems for opponents on the Circuit. Without the talent, a run-and-gun style can lead to disorganization and enormous deficits. However, Coach Simmons is confident in his group and excited to step into the spotlight this weekend in Florida at Rumble Under the Palms.
The Georgia Express 2025 is loaded with talent, and it starts with the following players:
Christian ‘C3’ Curl 5’10/PG/Cooper Middle School (Powder Springs GA)
From The Coaches Desk:
C3 is a dual-threat PG. He can beat you off the dribble with his quick first step. He has added the mid-range aspect to his game and is an on-ball defensive nightmare. His IQ is that of a top-level HS player right now at his age. C3 plays with very high intensity, and by far, the leader on this team and his teammates can all agree that he is the one that gets them going and plays with so much passion and will to win. C3’s Areas for Growth are that he is too hard on himself, and I would like to see him improve on his game without the ball in his hands.
Ethan Carter 6’4/Forward/Arlington Christian School (Fairburn GA)
From The Coaches Desk:
Ethan is a smooth SF. He can beat most kids his size off the dribble, is excellent at starting a break in transition, and actually possesses a nice post-game with his back to the basket he developed at an earlier age. He has also developed a perimeter shot from mid-range and three-point. One number that sticks out most to me is that he shoots above 80% from the Free Throw line. He is what you call a gentle giant and is a kid of few words, which I love that about him and just goes out there every game and just plays. Ethan’s Areas for Growth is that he needs to develop better ball-handling and passing skills for the next level and improve on his court vision.
Jaiden Haynes 6’0/Wing/Drew Charter School (Atlanta GA)
From The Coaches Desk:
Jaiden is a left-handed wing that is so smooth, can finish at the rim with both hands, and uses his long reach and quick first step to get past defenders his size. He is very athletic and has a knack for blocking shots at the rim, and is an excellent on-ball defender. He is starting to develop a three-point shot, is pretty efficient from mid-range, and runs the lanes in transition with the best of them. Jaiden needs to improve on his free throw shooting and rebounding.
These guys are obviously bringing it, but the question is, who are the glue guys for the Georgia Express? Look no further, Coach was quick to point out:
Brandon Simmons
Brandon
Simmons
5'8" | PG
GA
From The Coaches Desk:
Brandon stands at about 5’8″ and is deadly from the three-point line, and has a very soft stroke from outside. He has deep range for his size and has great court vision. He is very crafty and fun to watch with the passes he makes, and he does not let his size dictate him. He is an outstanding on-ball defender, and he plays passing lanes very well. He loves to drive the lane, and that is surprising at his size, but I can only imagine the player he will develop into as he grows. He is very consistent from the FT line as well. Brandon’s Area for Growth is that he needs to get stronger.
Max McNeill
From The Coaches Desk:
Max recently joined the team and is 5’10″ CG. Max possesses excellent ball-handling skills and has a good perimeter game. He plays very good on and off-ball defense and also shoots very well from the FT line. He finishes very well around the rim with both hands, and I have seen him make some very acrobatic layups that will have you scratching your head, saying, “how did he make that?” Max’s Area for Growth is that he needs to get stronger.
Coach Simmons added that he hadn’t yet got to one of the most prolific scorers on his team: Jordan Coney.
From The Coaches Desk:
Jordan Coney used to be one of my best scorers in the past but has gotten too comfortable and has not been consistent as of late. He has range from beyond 30’ and can finish with both hands at the rim. He has a shoot-first mentality, which can sometimes be good or bad, depending on the situation. Simmons said he would like to see is for Coney to get better on the defensive end.
Coach is adamant about developing his players’ mindset to work hard on and off the court and have confidence in everything that they do. I asked him what the ONE THING he wanted to accomplish this year this year.
“The one thing I would like to accomplish this year is to compete with all of the top teams in the nation. Not worried about the wins and losses, just compete with the best, and prepare these young men for the next level in their basketball career.”
With the Rumble Under The Palms quickly approaching, the Georgia Express will be a team to keep an eye on but don’t look away too quickly — you just might miss something as they are running and gunning.
