8/15/02
Kristene Brathwaite

Antoine Sims Selected to Professional Team in the British Basketball League

   The Nurishment Leicester Riders of the British Basketball League selected Antoine Sims, former member of the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls Basketball team, to complete their non-national contingent roster. Sims, a 5’10 guard from Buffalo NY, led the Golden Bulls to their first ever CIAA Championship, the South Atlantic Region Championship and an appearance in the Elite Eight – NCAA Division II Tournament in 2001. “He’s a big game player with big game mentality,” said Billy Mims, Head Coach of the Leicester Riders. “He’s proven that in front of big crowds where silverware was at stake. He can go out and get the job done and help his team win that silverware.”

 As a Golden Bull, Antoine averaged 19.3 and 21.9 points in his junior and senior years respectively. He became a member of the 1,000 point club with 1,299 points in only two seasons. “His three-point shooting ability is second-to-none,” said Mims. “As a junior he made 87 three-pointers in 32 games and then in 31 games as a senior he made 110. I hope the trend continues, as it appears he is getting better at making them.”

Antoine is quite pleased about the opportunity to play overseas. "It's everyone's dream to make it to the NBA," remarked Sims. "Although I am happy to have a chance to play professional basketball overseas. I could not be in a better situation for my first year of professional basketball. I am looking forward to leading the team at the point guard position and feel strongly that I can be an impact player."

As Head Coach of Johnson C. Smith University's men's basketball team, Steve Joyner is elated about Antoine's abilities and potential for success in England. “Truly, Antoine Sims is one of the most hardworking and competitive individuals that I have coached," said Joyner. "Statistically he has had the best two-year stellar career of all junior college transfer to attend Johnson C. Smith University. He is a very offensively exciting basketball player who also has outstanding defensive ability. I am extremely proud that Antoine has made it this far and I wish him the best of luck overseas.”

Sims is scheduled to depart for Leicester, England in early September.

 Sims’ Career Highlights

Senior (2001-02)

Selected Preseason All-CIAA…JCSU-Tip-Off Classic MVP…Sodexho-Marriott All-Classic Team…Carolina Freedom Classic MVP…2x CIAA Player of the Week…Player of the Year candidate...nationally ranked #10 3-pt. field goals per game, #11 scoring, #20 steals…ranked second among Black College leaders…ranked among CIAA leaders in several categories:  #1 3pt. made, #1 scoring, #3 steals, #8 free throws and #8 3pt pct.…joined Golden Bulls 1,000 Points Club by scoring over 1,000 points in just over a season and a half…scored in double figures 20 times…scored 20 or more points 15 times…scored 25 or more points 13 times…scored 30 or more points 5 times…led team in scoring 17 times…leads team in minutes played (40 mpg)…led team to second consecutive CIAA Western Division Title...team is ranked No. 19 in the nation.
Junior (2000-01) 

Selected 2000-01 CIAA All-Tournament Most Valuable Player...selected to Elite Eight All-Tournament Team...Charlotte Legacy Classic MVP...JCSU Tip-Off All-Classic Team...Florida Classic Invitational All-Tournament Team...CIAA Player of the Week...JCSU's Outstanding Offensive Player award...nationally ranked 49th in scoring and 29th in steals...ranked among CIAA leaders in several categories:  #4 scoring (19.3 ppg), #6 free throw pct. (78.3%), #4 steals, #5 3-point field goals made, #10 3-point field goal pct. (37%), led team in minutes averaged (29.1 mpg)...poured in a career-high 40 points on 14-for-25 shooting from the field vs. St. Augustine's College...recorded a game-high 29 points with 6 rebounds and 3 steals in 35 minutes vs. West Florida University...scored 28 points on 10-for-22 shooting vs. St. Paul's College...had 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists vs. Livingstone College...collected 6 steals and 24 points vs. Columbus State...was 11-for-12 from the free throw line vs. St. Augustine's College...scored 27 points and had 4 rebounds in NCAA Div. II Elite Eight vs. Washburn University...led team in scoring 15 times...scored in double-figures 30 times...scored 20 or more points 17 times.