Anfernee Tyrik Simons, better known to fans as ‘Ant’, is emerging as one of basketball’s brightest stars. His rise from hooping in high school to the NBA is nothing short of extraordinary. Like many pro athletes, there’s a great deal of interest in his background—especially his ethnicity and family heritage. While his on-court talent has earned him plenty of recognition, what’s lesser known is his multicultural upbringing that has influenced his game and character. Let’s take a closer look at Simons’ roots.

Where is Anfernee Simons from? What is the Trail Blazers star’s nationality?

Anfernee Simons was born on June 8, 1999, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, which makes his nationality American. Simons comes from a mixed ethnic background, however, exact details of his ethnicity are not available. Introduced to basketball at a young age, parents played a crucial role in his development. His father, Charles, often took him to local parks for drills, while his mother, Tameka, stayed out of the spotlight but offered unwavering support. Both even quit their jobs and relocated to support Anfernee after his NBA Draft!

Anfernee’s parents were big fans of the Orlando Magic and named him after the team’s former star, Penny Hardaway. In a twist of fate, Hardaway would later coach him during a training camp, creating a unique connection between the two.

Simons’ basketball journey began when he first attended Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. His performances there caught the attention of scouts, leading him to transfer to the prestigious Montverde Academy in Florida, for his junior year.

However, the young gun spent much of his time on the bench, losing his playtime, which led to his return to Edgewater. Following his senior year, he was reclassified in the Class of 2018 and attended IMG Academy in Bradenton for a postgraduate year.

Which university did Anfernee Simons attend? 

Anfernee Simons represented the United States Men’s National Under-19 Basketball team during the summer of 2017, which made him a five-star recruit and he was ranked as the seventh-best player in the 2018 class by 247Sports.com. He considered schools like South Carolina, NC State, Tennessee, and Florida and initially committed to the University of Louisville. However, the school’s involvement in scandals, sparking an FBI investigation, led to his decision to forgo college altogether.

Anfernee entered the 2018 NBA Draft without hiring an agent and was selected 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. He became the third high school player to be drafted and even removed his name from the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic.

He was ranked 19th by ESPN and invited to the 2018 NBA Draft Combine, where his potential was on full display. Years later, in 2021, he won the Slam Dunk Contest and his impressive performances led him to a $100 million re-signed contract with the Blazers!

Through all the fame and recognition, the hoopster’s family remains at the heart of his success. As Anfernee Simons continues to make a name for himself in the NBA, his story is one of perseverance, familial support, and the drive to succeed against all odds. The future looks bright for this young talent, and fans will undoubtedly continue to watch as he elevates his game to new heights.