P.J. Simmons (2015) - Hall of Fame - Southwestern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Hall of Fame

P.J. Simmons

Class

1977
Induction

2015
Sport(s)

Men's Basketball

Palmo "P.J." Simmons played point guard for the SWOSU men's basketball team from 1974-77. Simmons earned several accolades with the Bulldogs, including being named All-District IX and All-Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) in 1976 as a junior. His senior season, Simmons averaged 17.9 points per game on 50.7% shooting from the field and led the Bulldogs to the 1977 NAIA National Tournament. For his efforts, Simmons was named the District IX Most Valuable Player and the OIC Player of the Year in 1977 before also earning Third Team NAIA All-American honors. Upon graduation, Simmons returned to his native Cincinnati where he worked for the Hamilton County Juvenile System for 30 years before retiring in 2007. Since 2008, Simmons has worked at St. Aloysius where he continues to help disadvantaged youth with behavioral issues. A Cincinnati, Ohio, native, Simmons graduated from SWOSU with his Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1977.