JONESBORO, Ark. (4/15/16) – Deven Simms, a first-team all-America junior college standout from Connors State College has signed a National Letter of Intent with Arkansas State University head men’s basketball coach Grant McCasland announced today.

“We are excited to have Deven join our family as the first signee this spring,” said McCasland. “I really like the versatility, athleticism and competitiveness that Deven will bring to our program. He is a dynamic guard that can score, distribute and rebound at a high level. Deven was the leading scorer on a highly successful team and he will bring that playmaking experience to our team. I’m excited for what he can bring to Arkansas State, both on and off the court.”

Simms, a 6-5 guard, averaged 20.3 points and 10.1 rebounds last season to rank 22nd and 23rd, respectively, in the NJCAA statistical rankings. The St. Louis, Mo., product dished out 99 assists (4.1 APG), grabbed 58 steals and posted nine double-doubles, including a triple-double of 25 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists at Redlands College. Simms was named the Region II and Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference (OCAC) Player of the Year, the third-straight year a Cowboys player earned those honors.

In his sophomore season, Simms helped Connors State post a 26-5 record and a 16-2 mark in the OCAC leading the Cowboys to their third-straight league title. Simms finished last season shooting 57.2 percent (187-327) from the field and 74.8 percent (122-163) from the charity stripe.

As a freshman, Simms averaged 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 54.8 percent (120-219) from the field. The Cowboys posted a 32-0 record and went 17-0 in conference action and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NJCAA Tournament.

Simms prepped two seasons at Clarksville (Ark.) High School playing in 42 games over his two seasons while averaging 13.0 points. He was named the Times Record Newcomer of the Year in 2012, helping the Panthers to the 2012 Class 4A State Title. He capped his junior season at Clarksville High (2011-12) with 23 points and 11 rebounds against Pulaski Academy in the state title game. A 2013 Class 5A All-Tournament team selection, Simms averaged 13.6 points for the 27-5 squad that advanced to the semifinals of the state tournament and fell to eventual champion Jacksonville.

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