ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Darryl "Buddy" Simmons II, a 5-11 combination guard, has signed a letter of intent to join the St. Bonaventure men's basketball program.
Simmons, who'll have two years of eligibility with the Bonnies, showed himself to be an explosive, efficient and ever-improving player in his two seasons at Gardner-Webb. He was voted second-team All-Big South in the 2024-2025 season.
Simmons averaged 17.4 points on 39 percent three-point shooting – including 22 points against Pittsburgh of the Atlantic Coast Conference and a school-record 40 points against Winthrop on 8-for-12 three-point shooting.
Simmons had 10 games of 20-plus points for Gardner Webb to go along with 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists a game.
Simmons' scoring average increased over 15 points per game from the 2023-24 season – with his minutes moving from 9.4 a game to 33.4.
Prior to Gardner-Webb, Simmons II was a standout player for Putnam Science (Conn.) Academy that posted a combined record of 77-3 during his time with the team, winning a pair of national championships. He played for current Bonnies assistant Dana Valentine, who was an assistant under legendary Putnam coach Tom Espinosa and assistant Josh Scraba.
Simmons joins a distinguished Putnam Science alumnus history at St. Bonaventure that includes Kyle Lofton, Osun Osunniyi and Charles Pride, among others.
As a senior, Simmons II led Putnam to a 39-3 season and a national prep title, averaging 12.8 points, five assists and two steals – including shooting 94.4 percent from the free throw line. In his junior year, Simmons II led Putnam to a 38-0 national championship season. He averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 assists and 1.7 steals.
Simmons II finished his career at Putnam Science Academy as the program's all-time leader with 147 made three-pointers. His 94 games played are second in program history while also ranking third in steals (137), fourth in assists (336) and seventh in points scored (914).
What they're saying about Darryl "Buddy" Simmons II
Buddy Simmons, St. Bonaventure Guard
"After significant consideration, I chose St. Bonaventure as my next basketball and academic family – a decision made easier for me because of the winning culture and my longstanding relationship with assistant coach Dana Valentine. I have built that relationship with Coach Valentine since the ninth grade at Putnam Science, and that played a pivotal role in my decision to become a Bonnie. The Putnam Science Pipeline continues for the Bonnies!
Also, I enjoy Coach Schmidt's up-tempo playing style and appreciate the relationship that I've built with Adrian Wojnarowski. I can't wait to step onto the floor and give my all for Bona Nation. Let's be legendary together! Go Bonnies!"
Mark Schmidt, St. Bonaventure Head Men's Basketball Coach
"We are thrilled to welcome Buddy and his family to our program and are excited about the numerous attributes he brings to our perimeter play. His three-point shooting is a much-needed additive to our team and his versatility will mesh well with our talented complement of guards and playmakers. Buddy brings a toughness to the program and an ability to become one of the leaders on our team. Also, Buddy comes out of the storied Putnam Science Academy program and has been well-schooled by the legendary Tom Espinosa. I can't wait for Buddy to make his Reilly Center debut this season!"
Dana Valentine, St. Bonaventure Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
"Buddy is a battle-tested guard who plays the game with a chip on his shoulder. While he might be smaller in stature, he brings tremendous heart to the court --- an identity that fits into the tradition of numerous great St. Bonaventure guards. He brings leadership, playmaking and perimeter shot-making to our backcourt. Bonnies fans will love his ability to make his teammates better with his diverse talents and an unyielding competitive spirit."
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