More than 30 years after he played his last match at La Salle University, Lionel “L-Train” Simmons has been re-honored for his sensational college career.
July 7, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference 40th Anniversary Men’s Basketball Team AnnouncedCelebrating its history, we recognize the many great players who have attended the conference since its inception. MAAC has included school players who are no longer attending the conference in announcing the 40th Anniversary Team. Former MAAC schools include LaSalle, Army, Fordham, and Holy Cross. LaSalle attended the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Lionel Simmons is the highest scorer and rebounder in conference history. The 1989-90 NCAA Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Award-winning L-Train also holds this distinction. He was the first NCAA player to score more than 3,000 points (3,217) on the board and get more snares. 1,000 rebounds (1,429).
When he was a senior in college, he joined an exclusive 3,000-point club. Other members before L-Train: Pete Maravich, Louisiana, Freeman Williams, Portland, Harry Carey, Texas Southern, Hersey Hawkins, Bradley.
Take a look at Lionel Simmons’ legendary college career
In 2016, Lionel Simmons was inducted into the National College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Lionel Simmons, the legend of his hometown boy, starred at South Philadelphia High School before arriving in LaSalle in 1986.
He had a great influence on the Explorers program. Exhibit A: The team posted 100-31 records during his four seasons at MAAC School. He has won the MAAC Player of the Year Award three times. He was a consensus first team all-American as a senior.
In addition, LaSalle participated in the Lionel Simmons sophomore, junior and senior season NCAA tournaments. Explorers has retired his 22nd jersey.
Simmons scored more than 20 points in each of the four college seasons. He finished his college career on average: 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.9 blocks.
He aimed to emulate a star
In February 1990, when his college career was nearing its end, Lionel Simmons talked about how he studied other players.
“I think a lot of growing people want to be like a particular player and emulate him as much as possible,” Simmons told The Washington Post at the time. “I saw a particular thing from a particular player and tried to put it all together.
“I always liked to pass-it may sound strange, but I got 3,000 points-but he was willing to pass before taking a shot and recognized it as great. I’m watching Magic (Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers) being played so — I tried to take it. When Moses (Malone, formerly 76ers) was here, he was rewarded as a rebounder, so as much as possible I’m about to rebound. “
Career in the NBA
After leaving LaSalle, L-Train played for Sacramento Kings (1990-97) for seven seasons. Lionel Simmons, who was ranked 7th in the 1990 NBA Draft, averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a professional.
