Getting to Know… Cedric Simmons
June 30, 2006
OKLAHOMA CITY – First-round draft choice Cedric Simmons was introduced to the media in New Orleans and Oklahoma City on Thursday, during his first full day as a Hornet. The 6-foot-9 forward played two seasons at North Carolina State, earning a spot on the ACC All-Defensive team as a sophomore. The 20-year-old is a native of Shallotte, N.C., located near the South Carolina border and well-known vacation spot Myrtle Beach.
Simmons sat down with Hornets.com’s Jim Eichenhofer in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district on Thursday afternoon to answer 10 questions and provide a closer look at the NBA’s 15th overall pick.
Eichenhofer: I remember speaking to you at your draft workout, after you accidentally elbowed Hilton Armstrong in the nose and sent him to the sideline. He’s now your Hornets teammate. Did you get a chance to apologize to him that day for giving him a swollen nose?
Simmons: [grins] I apologized right after I hit him in the nose. But, you know, no one really wants to hear ‘I’m sorry’ when their nose is bleeding! [laughs]
Eichenhofer: For Hornets fans who may not know much about you, or may meet you for the first time soon, how would you describe your personality?
Simmons: I’m kind of a shy guy. Real quiet, but once I get to know you, I can be funny.
Eichenhofer: What are a few things people may be surprised to learn about you?
Simmons: That I really enjoy fishing. Also, that sometimes I sit down and watch baseball games… some people think that’s strange. I started out playing baseball (instead of basketball), but I stopped playing baseball in the seventh grade. When I was younger it was pretty close between those two sports (in terms of which was Simmons’ favorite). My favorite baseball player is Albert Pujols.
Eichenhofer: If you didn’t have the talent to be an NBA player, what would be doing?
Simmons: I’d probably be a teacher or a coach.
Eichenhofer: Of all the players in the NBA, who do you respect the most and look forward to having a chance to face on the court?
Simmons: Kevin Garnett. I just like his skills. He’s tall and long but isn’t that (thick). But he gets the job done. Him and Tim Duncan, those guys are elite players. Hall of Famers in my opinion. I admire the way Tim Duncan uses his footwork and the way Kevin Garnett uses his athleticism and length.
Eichenhofer: Do you have a non-sports person you admire?
Simmons: My father (Thynell Simmons) because of his work ethic. He got up for work every day and didn’t complain. He was a truck driver, which is a tough job and sometimes you have to work seven days a week. I kind of learned from him how not to complain. Get the job done and go home and relax. I just want to thank him for all the work he put in [Thynell has been unable to work since being injured on the job in 2003].
Eichenhofer: What are a couple CDs you are listening to right now?
Simmons: Lil’ Wayne and Jamie Foxx.
Eichenhofer: Any TV shows you never miss?
Simmons: I try not to miss Law & Order. I enjoy watching FBI-type shows and the secrets to solving cases.
Eichenhofer: How many NBA games have you attended?
Simmons: Two. Not very good seats, but I was there. My favorite team growing up was the Lakers when they had Shaq and Kobe.
Eichenhofer: When you look back at Wednesday’s draft, are there any sleepers out there who were later picks and may surprise people?
Simmons: With the hand-checking rules in the NBA, I’d say (Villanova guard) Kyle Lowry (drafted No. 24 by Memphis). I don’t know how they’re going to guard him. I think he’s going to be like Devin Harris a little bit.
OKLAHOMA CITY – First-round draft choice Cedric Simmons was introduced to the media in New Orleans and Oklahoma City on Thursday, during his first full day as a Hornet. The 6-foot-9 forward played two seasons at North Carolina State, earning a spot on the ACC All-Defensive team as a sophomore. The 20-year-old is a native of Shallotte, N.C., located near the South Carolina border and well-known vacation spot Myrtle Beach.
Simmons sat down with Hornets.com’s Jim Eichenhofer in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district on Thursday afternoon to answer 10 questions and provide a closer look at the NBA’s 15th overall pick.
Eichenhofer: I remember speaking to you at your draft workout, after you accidentally elbowed Hilton Armstrong in the nose and sent him to the sideline. He’s now your Hornets teammate. Did you get a chance to apologize to him that day for giving him a swollen nose?
Simmons: [grins] I apologized right after I hit him in the nose. But, you know, no one really wants to hear ‘I’m sorry’ when their nose is bleeding! [laughs]
Eichenhofer: For Hornets fans who may not know much about you, or may meet you for the first time soon, how would you describe your personality?
Simmons: I’m kind of a shy guy. Real quiet, but once I get to know you, I can be funny.
Eichenhofer: What are a few things people may be surprised to learn about you?
Simmons: That I really enjoy fishing. Also, that sometimes I sit down and watch baseball games… some people think that’s strange. I started out playing baseball (instead of basketball), but I stopped playing baseball in the seventh grade. When I was younger it was pretty close between those two sports (in terms of which was Simmons’ favorite). My favorite baseball player is Albert Pujols.
Eichenhofer: If you didn’t have the talent to be an NBA player, what would be doing?
Simmons: I’d probably be a teacher or a coach.
Eichenhofer: Of all the players in the NBA, who do you respect the most and look forward to having a chance to face on the court?
Simmons: Kevin Garnett. I just like his skills. He’s tall and long but isn’t that (thick). But he gets the job done. Him and Tim Duncan, those guys are elite players. Hall of Famers in my opinion. I admire the way Tim Duncan uses his footwork and the way Kevin Garnett uses his athleticism and length.
Eichenhofer: Do you have a non-sports person you admire?
Simmons: My father (Thynell Simmons) because of his work ethic. He got up for work every day and didn’t complain. He was a truck driver, which is a tough job and sometimes you have to work seven days a week. I kind of learned from him how not to complain. Get the job done and go home and relax. I just want to thank him for all the work he put in [Thynell has been unable to work since being injured on the job in 2003].
Eichenhofer: What are a couple CDs you are listening to right now?
Simmons: Lil’ Wayne and Jamie Foxx.
Eichenhofer: Any TV shows you never miss?
Simmons: I try not to miss Law & Order. I enjoy watching FBI-type shows and the secrets to solving cases.
Eichenhofer: How many NBA games have you attended?
Simmons: Two. Not very good seats, but I was there. My favorite team growing up was the Lakers when they had Shaq and Kobe.
Eichenhofer: When you look back at Wednesday’s draft, are there any sleepers out there who were later picks and may surprise people?
Simmons: With the hand-checking rules in the NBA, I’d say (Villanova guard) Kyle Lowry (drafted No. 24 by Memphis). I don’t know how they’re going to guard him. I think he’s going to be like Devin Harris a little bit.
