At 6-foot-11, Daniel Simon already has the size to command attention the moment he walks into a gym. But the Class of 2027 prospect is much more than just a big body in the paint. Simon has developed into one of the more intriguing young big men to watch, combining size, shooting ability, rim protection, and long-term upside that could eventually take him beyond the college level.
A native of Canada whose family is originally from South Sudan, Simon is coming off a tremendous season in which he established himself as a dominant two-way presence. He averaged an impressive 21 points and nine rebounds per game, while also showing a skill that separates him from many players his size—his ability to stretch the floor.
Simon connected on 40 percent of his three-point attempts, giving defenses a major problem. At 6’11, he has the ability to punish smaller defenders inside, but opposing big men also have to respect his ability to step outside and knock down shots from beyond the arc.
That versatility makes him an extremely difficult matchup.
Defensively, Simon can be just as impactful. He averaged 2.4 blocks per game last season and has developed into an elite rim protector who can completely change the way opponents attack the basket. His length allows him to challenge shots around the rim, while his mobility gives him the potential to become an even more versatile defender as he continues developing.
The combination of production and potential has already caught the attention of NCAA Division I programs.
Simon has received offers from programs including UCF, Fresno State, Pepperdine, Cal State Bakersfield, and Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, among others. With another full season ahead of him in the 2026-27 campaign, that recruiting list has the potential to grow considerably.
What makes Simon particularly exciting is that he is still just scratching the surface.
Players with legitimate 6’11 size who can score, rebound, protect the rim and shoot 40 percent from three are extremely valuable in today’s game. Simon possesses a combination of physical tools and basketball skill that gives him significant long-term upside.
For Hillcrest Prep, Simon has an opportunity to become one of the program’s centerpieces this season. After averaging 21 points per game a year ago, expectations will be high, but Simon has already shown that he is capable of producing at a major level.
Expect him to impact games on both ends of the floor—finishing around the basket, knocking down perimeter shots, controlling the glass and protecting the rim.
And while there is still plenty of development ahead, Simon’s ceiling extends far beyond being simply a productive high school player.
Daniel Simon has legitimate NBA potential.
At 6’11 with his shooting touch, defensive presence and rapidly developing overall game, Simon possesses many of the tools professional organizations look for in modern big men. Continued improvement in his strength, mobility, consistency and overall feel for the game could eventually put him on that path.
For now, the focus is on the upcoming season.
And if last year’s numbers were any indication, Daniel Simon is preparing to make a major statement in the Class of 2027.
The 6’11 Canadian big man is already a Division I prospect.
This season, he has the opportunity to show that he can become much more.
