Jennie Simms' College Stardom: A Glimpse of Brilliance Before the WNBA!
It's easy to focus on the present, but sometimes, looking back at a player's journey reveals the incredible talent that was there all along. Jennie Simms, a player who spent time with the Phoenix Mercury, had a college career that was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a scoring prowess that set her apart. This is especially noteworthy considering the challenging 2022 season the Mercury navigated without their star, Brittney Griner.
While the Phoenix Mercury reached the WNBA Finals in 2021, the subsequent year brought unexpected hurdles. Despite these setbacks, the team still managed to make the playoffs, though their postseason run was brief. They were ultimately swept by the formidable Las Vegas Aces. Finishing that season with a 15-21 record, the Mercury welcomed new additions like Simms. In her debut season with the team, she participated in 23 games, starting in four of them, and contributed an average of 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. Her role saw further adjustments in 2023, playing in just six games during what was one of the Mercury's tougher seasons.
But here's where it gets truly fascinating: before gracing the WNBA with the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever, Simms was an absolute force on the college court. Her collegiate journey began at West Virginia, but it was during her time at Old Dominion University that her scoring ability truly exploded.
And this is the part most people miss... Simms delivered some truly jaw-dropping performances for Old Dominion. Her absolute best game saw her pour in an astonishing 45 points against Florida International, complemented by 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. In that particular game, Old Dominion had two players scoring in double figures, with Ashley Betz-White adding 12 points. The Monarchs secured a decisive 80-67 victory over the Panthers.
Fast forward a bit, and Simms continued her scoring spree with a 43-point explosion against Marshall. In that game, she was the sole player in double figures, leading her team to a hard-fought 73-69 win, marking their seventh victory. Not long after, she achieved another 40-point milestone, scoring 41 points against Florida Atlantic. This remarkable performance also included 13 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals, contributing to Old Dominion's dominant 93-73 win.
Across her entire college career, Simms consistently put up eye-popping numbers, averaging an impressive 20.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. While her role with the Mercury might not have been as prominent as her college days, she was a valuable addition, providing much-needed depth and contributing when the team needed it most. Having players like Simms certainly helped ease the sting of their challenging seasons.
What do you think? Does a player's college performance predict their WNBA success, or are there other factors that are more important? Let us know in the comments below!
