DeSimone: Buffalo Grove's proven leader

Four more years is a common theme in politics.

High school athletes are restricted to four-year terms of competition. If they weren't, there is no doubt Buffalo Grove boys basketball coach Ryan O'Connor would be leading the re-election campaign for Brian DeSimone.

The ultimate theme would be simple -- DeSimone is a winner. It's a subject not open to debate since DeSimone has been on the varsity for the program's record of four consecutive 20-victory seasons.

Coincidence? Not to anyone who has watched DeSimone in action on a regular basis.

Even the opposition is impressed.

"I love DeSimone," said Highland Park coach Paul Harris, whose team played BG in the Elgin Holiday Tournament. "I think DeSimone is one of the best guards around, and he's got a will that's really impressive."

A will to win that makes him a natural selection as the Cook County honorary captain of the 2008 Daily Herald All-Area Boys Basketball Team.

"Four years is a long time to coach one guy in high school," O'Connor said. "In four years he's never taken a night off.

"He's had up-and-down performances like anybody, but you can never question his effort."

And 1,161 points, 85 wins and 3 regional titles later, there is no debating why O'Connor promoted DeSimone and all-area guard Paul Timko to the varsity as freshmen.

No one in BG boys basketball program history has been involved in more victories. Not a bad legacy for future players to pursue.

"Paul and I were talking about it ... and it puts in perspective how well we've played," said DeSimone, a repeat all-area and Mid-Suburban East Player of the Year selection.

With the emphasis on "we" rather than "me."

"Nothing would make me happier than giving up 20 assists and getting a win," DeSimone said. "That would be awesome.

"If we win and I score zero points, I'd still be happy. I'd be disappointed I didn't score, but I'd take a win any day over scoring more points."

His time and responsibilities have increased since he played a minor role as a freshman. The last two years he's handled the delicate point guard balance of running the show and knowing when to go for what was a team-leading 16-point average this year.

When DeSimone isn't showing his range from behind the 3-point arc or slashing to the basket, he's finding Timko, Mike Ricciardi, Chris Timberg and Kevin Mulligan for 3s and layups.

And after DeSimone torched Thornwood for a career-high 39 points on only 18 shots, some of those same teammates and O'Connor said it was something DeSimone could try to do all the time if he wanted.

But DeSimone knows it's better for the team if it's everyone's show and not just his.

"He's very well-grounded," O'Connor said. "He's the ultimate team player and he just wants to win.

"He's a great defender, he's a leader and he's a team player."

It showed in his final high school game Tuesday against Zion-Benton. He gave his usual 100 percent effort even if he wasn't 100 percent with an injured left knee.

"I knew he was going to go," said Timko of one of his closest friends. "I didn't know what he was capable of, but 'Bri' is a guy who plays so hard.

"He's never a guy to make an excuse and he still played great for us."

And he never let an uncertain college future cloud what mattered right now.

"I keep a positive attitude about the highs and lows," DeSimone said.

O'Connor and others know whoever gets DeSimone will have a steal for the next four years. BG would do it all over again if it was possible.

"I was hoping they'd have some more kids come through the system here," joked O'Connor, who considers DeSimone's older brother Brad one of the best leaders he's coached.

And Brian DeSimone will be remembered as one of the best to ever put on a BG basketball uniform.