Simon was finally deemed eligible on Jan. 11, the same day Arizona beat Arizona State at McKale Center. Simon’s academic issues brought loud criticism from local and national outlets, and helped to galvanize the team with him and around him. The time off also put a chip on Simon’s shoulder, one he’d revisit again in March.
Edgerson: “It’s no different than what this generation is facing. You live in a fishbowl, and everyone is always watching what you’re doing. It’s to your benefit to do the right thing at the right time.”
Simon: “I don’t think I played any different when I returned. I played every game the same, as hard as I could, played to win. I’m super competitive. I don’t think there was a way for me to play with any more fire. I was excited to get back out on the court, but once you start getting into the game, your normal actions take over.”
And then, a resounding thud. After a 10-2 start, and with Simon back in the lineup, the Wildcats traveled to Los Angeles and lost at USC and then fell two days later at UCLA in overtime. It would take some time for Simon to work himself back into the lineup, and back into the good graces of his teammates.
Davison: “Coach O was like let me take the pressure, let me take the stress off you after the Los Angeles trip. But we were good kids. Nobody was in a fraternity, we weren’t into drinking and partying, we were into video games, girlfriends, school and basketball.”
For Simon to thrive, future NBA star Jason Terry would have to take a backseat.
Rosborough: “When Jason Terry volunteered to be the sixth man. That was huge for the team. We shared the ball. Bibby was very unselfish. Bennett had a role, and we knew he could score. A.J. could score, too, but we had four of the best perimeter players around. We took players out of their game.”
Simon: “I think it took a few games, but only because of the fact that I was coming off the bench. JT was starting, which was fine because that dude was balling. But when I was on the floor, our team was super unselfish, and we just played for the open guy.”
