In the latest installment of our summer "Nova Notebook" series we profile transfer guard Darryl Simmons II.
 
From his earliest days dribbling a basketball, Darryl Simmons II – "Buddy", as he is known to teammates and coaches – understood that he would not have the advantage of great size. Even now, at 5-11, he has had to find other ways to impact the game.
 
"As a smaller guard," says the Detroit native, "I try to prove myself every time I step on the floor. I try to get my teammates involved, shoot 3's and play at a fast pace."
 
It is a formula that has lifted Simmons from a 2023 ranking as the nation's No. 62 guard to the BIG EAST. Last season, he averaged 16.4 points and 35.4 minutes per game at St. Bonaventure after beginning his college career at Gardner Webb.
 
To Simmons, Villanova and its head coach Kevin Willard, offered a chance to build upon what he has already achieved in his first three seasons at the NCAA level.
 
"I like how in this system they play fast, up-tempo," states Simmons. "Coach has his guards in a lot of ball screens, and we shoot the 3's."
 
In fact, it's the style of play that has enabled him to maximize his quickness and shooting accuracy throughout the course of his hoops journey.
 
When introduced to the game in the first grade, Simmons concedes, "I wasn't that good at it." But Simmons had a willing teacher in his father, who helped the youngster sharpen his mechanics as a shooter and a ballhandler.
 
"I was always the smallest guy on the court," recalls Simmons. "He helped put the fire in my heart so that I play with a chip on my shoulder every time I step on the floor."
 
By the time he reached middle school, Simmons began to sense he might be able to take this beyond Detroit. The city has produced its share of outstanding guards including All-Americans Jalen Rose (Michigan) and Mateen Cleaves (Michigan State). To elevate his standing, though, Simmons and his family decided it was best for him to leave Michigan to attend Putnam Science (Conn.) Academy.
 
Simmons flourished at prep school, helping the Mustangs post a 77-3 record in his time there. In 2022, Putnam Science posted a 38-0 record and claimed the national title. He finished his career as the program's all-time leader in made 3-Point Field Goals (147).
 
"Putnam Science helped me a lot," Simmons states. "Our coach, Tom Espinosa, my teammates and the staff stayed on me about the things I was supposed to be doing on the floor and in the classroom. Thank you, Putnam Science."
 
When it came time for college, Simmons accepted an offer from Gardner Webb in Boilings Spring, N.C. There he continued to make strides on the court. As a sophomore he averaged 17.4 points and 1.9 assists per game and was named Second Team All-Big South. That led to his year with the Bonnies in the Atlantic 10 in 2025-26.
 
"I've learned to be more vocal on the floor, to almost be a second coach out there," says Simmons of his growth during his college career. "That's kind of what brought me to Villanova – the play style and we're vocal out there."
 
Having already made one significant leap at the college level, Simmons has thought about what the step he will take in the BIG EAST as a senior will look like.
 
"The biggest change, I think, will be the size," Simmons says. "Guards can be 6-6- or 6-7. We'll play against 7-footers. For me, it's about being mentally strong and focused. I want to figure out ways to get my teammates involved because I will be playing against (great) players every night.
 
"I like to bring a lot of energy to the game."
 
Simmons is a proven 3-point shooter, and he is not alone in that ability on the 2026-27 Villanova roster. Willard and his staff have added not just size in the person of center Luigi Suigo and forwards Kwame Evans Jr. and Devin Royal, but ample marksmanship from beyond the arc. That kind of skill has been on display at team workouts this summer inside the Davis Center.
 
"It's going to be good to stretch the floor out," Simmons states. "The teams we play against are going to have to worry about defending a lot of good shooters. We have the guys to knock down open 3's. I hope to have a lot of assists this year."
 
The summer months on the Villanova campus are low key. The fall semester doesn't open until Aug. 24, so Simmons spent most of his time this summer with teammates and coaches. Yet he's looking forward to experiencing life on a thriving campus.
 
"I would say Villanova is very family oriented," states Simmons. "Ever since I came to campus, it's been cool. Everyone is welcoming – they come up to say hi."
 
When the semester resumes so will team workouts. Simmons has a few items he hopes to fine tune with an eye towards the regular season opener vs. Notre Dame in Rome at the Eternal City Tip-Off.
 
"I want to work on being more energetic and more physical," he states. "Being a senior here, I need to be vocal with my teammates.
 
"I'm just really excited to show Nova Nation what we've got for you."
 
In the case of this smaller guard, it's offensive firepower and a level of determination that has already taken him far.