EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

CNNSI.com GROUP
 Sports Illustrated
 Life of Reilly
 Television
 SI Women
 SI for Kids
 Press Room
 TBS/TNT Sports
 CNN Languages

COMMERCE
 SI Customer Service
 SI Media Kits
 Get into College
 Sports Memorabilia
 TeamStore

Chat Reel: Bobby Simmons

Verstile swingman ready for junior year

Junior Bobby Simmons is comfortable playing shooting guard or small forward. AP

Quentin Richardson dashed for the NBA. Bobby Simmons took a different path, and he returned to DePaul for his junior season.

Simmons says this year's Blue Demons team is more complete and deeper than last year. He predicts big things for DePaul this season.

Simmons spent time chatting with CNNSI.com users on Thursday, Nov. 2. Keep reading for a complete transcript.

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with DePaul junior G/F Bobby Simmons. Welcome, Bobby. Thanks for being here.
Bobby Simmons: Thanks, it's nice to be chatting with you guys today.

From BigTrain in Woodbridge, Va.: Bobby, what is the mental state of the team heading into the season? Do you feel that this will be a breakout year not only for yourself, but the team as well? Thanks and good luck this year. Bring home the C-USA title and make a run in the big dance! Go Demons!
Bobby Simmons: Yes, I feel good. The mental state for the team is also stay focused on the game and to play hard. We'll do our best to try to bring home the title.

From Bryan Katakowski in Hermitage, Pa.: What role do you think you play for this team since the loss of Q (Quentin Richardson)? How has John Oden been doing? From what I understand, he runs the floor exceptionally well for a big man.
Bobby Simmons: The role I play for the team is leader and also a captain. I have to keep the guys together and keep them playing hard. John Oden has been doing well. He plays very hard and also runs real well.

From Vince Krauth in River Vale, N.J.: What are your thoughts on making yourself available for the NBA draft next spring? Do you have a set of criteria for making such a decision?
Bobby Simmons: No, I don't have any criteria. But as of now, I am not really thinking on the next level. I am thinking about our next season before anything else occurs.

From SK: What are your personal goals for this season?
Bobby Simmons: To lead the team and also bring home a winning season.

From Hank Stritski in Chicago: What position are you more comfortable playing - the three or the two? Thanks and good luck.
Bobby Simmons: They both are pretty much the same position, since hey both deal with the wings. I really don't have a preference.

From Pete: How do you feel the team's physical condition is right now?
Bobby Simmons: It's been going very well. We have a strength coach, Tim Lang, he has been very hard on us for the preseason and also with weightlifting.

From Kevin Tessmer in Detroit: Successful teams that go deep into the NCAA tournament typically have a strong personality in the locker room who dictates the play for the team (i.e., Mateen Cleaves, MSU). Who is the team leader on this year's squad?
Bobby Simmons: I'll say Rashon Burno, as team captain, and myself. We have to show the guys enthusiasm and get the guys pumped up before the game.

From Pete: What do you think of the freshman Andre Brown?
Bobby Simmons: He's a good guy, a good kid who likes to do everything right and make no mistakes. He plays hard and tries to get the job done.

From Mike_K: Hey Bobby, how have Imari Sawyer and Andre Brown doing in practice so far? Will they be starters?
Bobby Simmons: As of now, I don't know if they will be starters, because we haven't played a game yet. But they have been doing very well in practice. They compete to the best of their ability and contribute to the team.

From Bill: What part or parts of your game have you improved the most over the summer?
Bobby Simmons: Foot quickness, strength, and shooting.

From Kenny Jones in North Chicago: How far do you see this team advancing in the NCAA tournament?
Bobby Simmons: I feel we can keep everything together and stay on the same page, we can go pretty far.

From Pete: Can you tell me why you think this year's team will be better than last year's?
Bobby Simmons: This year we have a complete team and people that come off the bench and contribute at any part of the game. Last year, I don't think we had that depth of a team.

From Dan Weber in Chicago: Bobby, after a good year last year, I think I can speak for all DePaul fans when I say we hope this year is even better. A question I have relates to the focus of the team. It seems last year, the team went through periods where they lost focus, and frankly looked like they were going through the motions. As a leader of this year's team, what will you do to make sure the guys stay focused for each and every game, regardless of the opponent.
Bobby Simmons: I'm gonna do my best to stay on their backs and keep them focused because every game counts. Also because I want to win!

From Bill in Chicago: Who has been the most impressive players in practice so far?
Bobby Simmons: I can say it's a combination of everyone. Practice has been great.

From Mark: Who do you see as your toughest opponent in the C-USA?
Bobby Simmons: I think everyone can be tough on any given night. C-USA has great talent throughout every team.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have to today with DePaul junior G/F Bobby Simmons. Thanks again, Bobby. Good luck this season.
Bobby Simmons: Thank you everyone for chatting with me today. I hope to see you soon!

Copyright © 2001 CNN/Sports Illustrated An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.