Head coach Robert Smith hopes to deliver a fifth state title in six years at Simeon.
Photo by Greg Behrens
Robert Smith (282-46, 11th year as head coach)
2013-14 record: 22-6
KEY RETURNERSBen Coupet (6-7, Jr., F)
Evan Gilyard (5-11, So., G)
Ed Morrow (6-7, Sr., F) – Nebraska verbal commitment
Isaiah Moss (6-6, Sr., G/F) – Iowa verbal commitment
Zach Norvell (6-4, Jr., G)
Frederick Scott (6-7, Sr., F)
Josh Thomas (6-3, Jr., G)
D.J. Williams (6-6, Sr., G/F) – Illinois verbal commitment
IMPACT NEWCOMERSMarquise Brown (6-0, Fr., G)
WOLVERINE STORYLINES* After winning four straight Class 4A state titles from 2010-13 with Jabari Parker on the roster, last season was a bit of a retooling year at Simeon. The retooling is over. The Wolverines expect to be right back in the title chase along with Stevenson. The 4A title favorites will meet at the City-Suburban Showdown in February for the second year in a row.
* The Wolverines will have five players in the rotation between 6-6 and 6-7. "This may be the biggest team we have ever had," Smith said. The versatility of players like Williams – who may see time at all five positions according to Smith – will make getting them on the floor together a bit easier. Moss has seen his stock soar in recent months and is another tall Simeon senior who can operate on the perimeter.
* With all the experience in Simeon's senior and junior classes, a freshman has managed to garner plenty of attention this offseason. Brown accompanied the team on its June trip to Dubai and has a chance to join Parker as one of the few Wolverines to make a dent as a rookie. "He's pushing guys already," Smith said. "He's a true point guard and does the dirty work. He can score but is also great at getting guys open."
KEY DATESDec. 6 – vs.
Lancaster (Texas) at Chicago Elite Classic
Dec. 19 – vs.
St. Rita (Chicago)Dec. 29-31 – Pontiac Holiday Classic
Jan. 3 – vs.
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) at Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 9 – vs.
Hamilton (Memphis, Tenn.) at ARS.com National Hoopfest
Jan. 19 – vs.
Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) at Spalding Hoophall Classic
Feb. 21 – vs.
Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Ill.) at City-Suburban Showdown
