WHEREAS, Lionel Simmons was born and raised in South Philadelphia, where he became a basketball standout and led South Philadelphia High School to the Philadelphia Public League Championship during his senior season in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Lionel Simmons made the decision to take his talents to North Philadelphia where he became a star for the LaSalle University Explorers. During the course of his 4 years at LaSalle, Lionel led the team to 100 wins against only 31 losses, and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament during each of his last 3 seasons; and
WHEREAS, While at LaSalle, Lionel would put together what is perhaps the most impressive resume in the history of Philadelphia collegiate basketball. He scored 3,217 points, 3rd most in the history of college basketball, and he is still the only player to reach the 3,000-point and 1,100-rebound milestones. Lionel also holds the collegiate record for most consecutive games scoring 10 or more points, with 115 games; and
WHEREAS, Lionel Simmons was selected First-Team All Big 5 after each of his 4 seasons with LaSalle, earning Big 5 Most Valuable Player honors 3 times. During his senior season, Lionel was voted AP Player of the Year and he earned the John Wooden Award for most outstanding college basketball player and the Naismith College Player of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Following his outstanding 4 years with LaSalle, Lionel Simmons was selected 7th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He went on to play 7 seasons with the Kings before retiring from basketball in 1997; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his remarkable collegiate career, Lionel Simmons was inducted into the LaSalle University Hall of Athletes in 1995 and into the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1996; and
WHEREAS, On November 18, 2016, Lionel Simmons will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, a crowning achievement for his storied career. Mr. Simmons is a true Philadelphia legend and the City joins him in celebrating his accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby congratulate, honor, and recognize former LaSalle University and Sacramento Kings forward Lionel “L-Train” Simmons for his induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Lionel Simmons as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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