Former Kentucky national champ hired as Red Wing basketball coach

Red Wing High School added a former national champion to their program on Thursday as they announced the hiring of Oliver Simmons as their new boys' basketball coach.

Simmons won a national championship on the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats that were led by Rick Pitino. As a former two-time Mr. Basketball in Tennessee, Simmons has gone on to a 16-year career as a high school coach, racking up over 250 wins including a one-year stint at East Central High School in Finlayson, Minn.

"Oliver's resume and basketball acumen speak for themselves," Red Wing Activities Director Paul Hartmann said in a press release. "He has played and coached the game at a high level and the knowledge he will bring to our program is intentional and will be impactful."

Simmons will look to improve a program that went 3-23 last season including 2-20 in the Big Nine.

"I can't express how excited I am to meet RWHS students, and all the guys interested in playing basketball at RWHS and get in the gym to work with them," Simmons said in a statement. "I am looking forward to a great season and future with the Winger basketball program."

Simmons played two years at Kentucky before transferring to Florida State. He was also a member of the 1997 Kentucky team that defeated Minnesota in the Final Four.