Huskies sign California prep forward Desmond Simmons

Desmond Simmons is the newest member of the Washington men's basketball team.

The 6-foot-7, 205-pound senior forward at Salesian High in Richmond, Calif., signed a national letter of intent to play at UW during a Wednesday morning signing party at his high school.

"I'm very excited to be signed and be a part of the team and a part of the University of Washington," Simmons said in a telephone interview. "It's a great feeling."

The Huskies were in pursuit of Kentwood High star Joshua Smith, who orally committed to UCLA on Monday. Washington still hopes to land Portland-area star Terrence Jones, who is undecided and lists UW among five schools he's considering.

Washington coach Lorenzo Romar said Simmons fits the Huskies' system.

"He will be a fun guy to coach because he literally will do whatever you ask him to do," Romar said. "He's not going to complain. 'What can I do to help this team to win, coach?' And whatever that is, he's going to try his best to do it. He's never talking about, 'Look at me. Let's look at this team.' He's got a great, great attitude, and he's got an unbelievable desire to do what it takes to help his team win."

Scout.com ranks Simmons, who considered Oregon State and Saint Mary's, the 25th power forward in the nation, and he's rated the No. 44 small forward by ESPN.

Simmons, a four-year starter, averaged 18.2 points and 12.6 rebounds as a junior.

"His game has really evolved over the years," Salesian High coach Bill Mellis said. "He's really good around the basket with post moves, and he's just so strong. But now he's changed his game because he's going to be a perimeter player at Washington.

"Another thing, he's like a total energy guy. His motor never stops. One of the things that he's adjusted with his game is if he's having an off shooting night, he'll get points by going to the offensive boards. He averaged a double double last year, and that's the first time we ever had somebody do that in like 20 years."

Other key signings

Washington women: The Huskies didn't sign any players on Wednesday, but are expected to sign Snohomish forward Marjie Heard, Auburn Riverside point guard Mercedes Wetmore and guard Ashley Moore of Vallejo, Calif., today.

Washington State men: The Cougars signed Patrick Simon, a 6-8 forward from Ephrata High School.

WSU women: The Cougars signed three players, including Hana Potter of Edina, Minn., rated as one of the top 50 post players in the country, according to HoopGurlz. The others are Brandi Thomas of Elma and Sage Romberg, from McKinleyville, Calif., regarded as one of the top shooting guards in the nation.

Seattle U. women: The Redhawks signed guard Ashley Ward of Irvine, Calif., the co-CIF Player of the Year as a junior.

Eastern Washington women: The Eagles signed 6-2 post players Laura Hughes from Hanford High School in Richland and Morganne Comstock from Kentlake, 5-7 guard Meaghan Cichoke from Tualatin (Ore.) High School and 6-foot guard Aubrey Ashenfelter from Southridge High in Beaverton, Ore.

Local players: John Gage, the 6-9, 210-pound forward from Vashon, faxed his letter of intent to play basketball at Stanford on Wednesday.

Bellevue point guard Aaron Bright also signed with the Cardinal. Gage and Bright both play on the local AAU team Friends of Hoop.

Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com. Staff reporters Jayda Evans and Mason Kelley contributed to this article.