Patrick Simon originally committed to the WSU men’s basketball team as a 14-year-old freshman from Ephrata. At the time, this was the youngest-ever WSU verbal commitment.

That year, the then 6-foot-7 freshman averaged 13.2 points per game at Ephrata Senior High School.

At the time, Simon was being contacted by WSU, most of the other Pac-10 schools, Gonzaga, a handful of Ivy League schools, Big Sky conference schools, Patriot League schools and West Coast Conference schools.

In his sophomore campaign, he led his school to a 25-2 record and the 2A Washington state championship, while also being named to the all-tournament team. In the same season, he earned first-team all-state and All-Central Washington Athletic Conference honors.

However, he was unable to play his junior season due to a broken foot. After Tony Bennett left WSU for the University of Virginia, Simon de-committed to WSU until he could meet the new coaching staff.

After Head Coach Ken Bone addressed these worries, Simon signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at WSU next season.

Simon said he chose WSU for several reasons.

“I like where the direction of the program is going, and I like how I fit into the new system and style of play,” Simon said. “I am looking forward to playing in the one of the best conferences in America. I recommitted on my first visit to WSU since Coach Bone was named head coach.” Now at 6-foot-9, Simon has progressed throughout his high school career, developing into a skillful big man with outside shooting ability.

“I think I have grown as a player by becoming stronger and more aggressive on the offensive and defensive side of the floor,” Simon said. “I have fine-tuned my shooting stroke to be more effective from mid range as well as outside the perimeter.” His coach, Brandon Evenson, agrees that Simon has shown huge growth and development throughout his career at Ephrata.

“I have seen him grow as a leader on and off the floor,” Evenson said. “He has grown as a defender and being able to take someone off the dribble.” Simon’s 3-point shooting ability and his natural talent as a scorer will pose matchup problem for anyone attempting to defend him.

“When he gets off the bus, someone will have to guard him,” Evenson said.

Even though he spends the majority of his time on the court, Simon still finds time to live an average high school life.

“I like to watch television and movies, play video games and hang out with friends,” Simon said.

Simon is one of two recruits signed by Bone in his first season at WSU, and he is expected to play a big part for the Cougars once he arrives.