The majority of the board was calling for more Simpson as we lack quickness and ability to create off the dribble and get to the basket. Hawk has been very vocal about it but many have been calling for it... and it's not exactly a hot take the way Paul has been playing over the last month
Derek is special
- Thread starter zappaa
- Start date
The next step for Simpson is seeing if he can string a few games together at this level of play
Kid is writing his future. We have been watching him grow but today- many of the nation that dont watch every team on a daily basis- just saw him as a kid to watch out for.
Yes, in the future- they have to gameplan for him and this helps out everyone else.
Yes, in the future- they have to gameplan for him and this helps out everyone else.
He only played 13 minutes against Minnesota after a great game against PSU.
You’re hot take should be directed at the person in charge of his minutes
I think one of the issues for Derek maturing is that he's on such a lacking team offensively. There is nobody for him to learn from/apprentice under, and this just isn't a typical P5 D1 team from an offensive standpoint. I think this has greatly slowed or stunted his growth this season. I have been saying all year I thought that Derek was the real deal, and that he is what this team needed. On the flip side he is green and the finesse/experience he needed to learn just never seemed to come. I honestly feel like Derek is figuring this out by himself for the most part. It would be interesting to see Derek on the same team with a Ron or Geo - I think he might be a lot further along at this point - just my 2 cents.
Happy he is where he's at now - everybody buckle in for the Derek Simpson show over the next several games!
Agreed. However there was that Douby kid between Geoff and Cam.
Smart move by pike starting him. Today was another masterful game plan.
This isn't strictly about what Derek is or isn't or whether he's a true PG or more of a combo guard. He's just a guard that can make plays and the roster doesn't have playmakers off the dribble.
In 2 years, this roster will be completely revamped with players who can get their own offense or create offense for their teammates. For this year's roster, it was the only viable option.
Maybe next year, JaMicheal Davis joins Simpson in that role of creating offense for himself and others. Maybe we add another guard via the portal......we also add Gavin Griffiths to the equation.
My goal for Simpson wasn't just about this season....it was about finding out and seeing if he's part of the backcourt that is reliable next year, so we aren't scrambling for a portal guy. I feel much better about getting Simpson enough playing time in this season AND doing so, while threading the needle and winning enough games to be NCAA caliber.
We developed Mag and Simpson in the same season, when both were huge "unknowns ", prior to the season.
Maybe the flashing of Woolfolk today, gives fans hope that a strong spring and summer of work, allows him to take another step forward next year.
It's tough to break in new freshman and sophomores and win games in the process. Simpson has had 2 excellent games in the last 4 (@PSU and today).....maybe he'll struggle tomorrow vs Purdue, but someone else, picks up the slack.
36 minutes against Michigan and on a neutral floor in a very critical game, helps build trust in the staff and his teammates. That is a big deal to me....
In 2 years, this roster will be completely revamped with players who can get their own offense or create offense for their teammates. For this year's roster, it was the only viable option.
Maybe next year, JaMicheal Davis joins Simpson in that role of creating offense for himself and others. Maybe we add another guard via the portal......we also add Gavin Griffiths to the equation.
My goal for Simpson wasn't just about this season....it was about finding out and seeing if he's part of the backcourt that is reliable next year, so we aren't scrambling for a portal guy. I feel much better about getting Simpson enough playing time in this season AND doing so, while threading the needle and winning enough games to be NCAA caliber.
We developed Mag and Simpson in the same season, when both were huge "unknowns ", prior to the season.
Maybe the flashing of Woolfolk today, gives fans hope that a strong spring and summer of work, allows him to take another step forward next year.
It's tough to break in new freshman and sophomores and win games in the process. Simpson has had 2 excellent games in the last 4 (@PSU and today).....maybe he'll struggle tomorrow vs Purdue, but someone else, picks up the slack.
36 minutes against Michigan and on a neutral floor in a very critical game, helps build trust in the staff and his teammates. That is a big deal to me....
I saw his promise first time seeing him play. Same game saw him get pushed around under the basket a little bit. Once he gets a bit bigger and stronger the sky's the limit I believe. Not diminishing his contribution so far. Just saying he will be much better. Can't wait to see it.
Derek answered the bell big time vs Purdue today.
I like his aggressiveness but missed a few easy lay ups that could have changed the outcome. Part of growing up during tournament. His future is bright.
Kid looks every bit of a 18-19 year old frosh but plays with confidence and swagger of a man. He going to be special.
It's going to be hard to bring in an elite guard transfer and keep Simpson off the court/limit his minutes.
Even if Mulcahy leaves, would have to assume Gavin takes a chunk of the 3/4 minutes.
If anything we need a transfer forward now if Mulcahy leaves.
Can't imagine cutting back on Simpson or Spencer's minutes next year.
Even if Mulcahy leaves, would have to assume Gavin takes a chunk of the 3/4 minutes.
If anything we need a transfer forward now if Mulcahy leaves.
Can't imagine cutting back on Simpson or Spencer's minutes next year.
he better work on his defense , ...ismith went by him at will....I think that's why HC went to Miller...
I think Simpson will get about the same minutes next year, about 20/game it will just be more consistent.
Love the fearless energy, but Derek does need to work on distributing the rock when he penetrates.
This is why coaches get the big bucks. Finally we have good problems - too many capable players.
Yup - and they'll have the summer trip to see these guys a little more than usual too
It's a great time to be a Rutgers basketball fan
Derek has an incredibly bright future. He needs to work on his shot and shot selection and he can be an all-time great at RU. Right now, however, he has the worst FG % in the rotation. (37% and 19% from 3). That needs to (and will) change. It should be a great ride watching him develop!
It’ll come with time
This is probably the first time he’s playing ball where he’s not the #1 option on his team
Missing layups has been a Rutgers problem all season.Its a talent issue moreso than experience.I have confidence that Simpson will get better with more playing time and changes in the roster for next season.
I like a lot of what Hawk says....very balanced.
He might not be our primary PG to start 2023-24, but he looks the part of a rotation piece. I'd love for our guard/wing rotation to look like PSU where they can comfortably play any 7 guys in the 4 (to 5) spots. We don't have that luxury right now.
He might not be our primary PG to start 2023-24, but he looks the part of a rotation piece. I'd love for our guard/wing rotation to look like PSU where they can comfortably play any 7 guys in the 4 (to 5) spots. We don't have that luxury right now.
I think missed lay ups and put backs this season by the team overall has been the most frustrating for me and makes m3 yell at the TV. Especially considering our lack of scoring you have to make the easy ones when you can. It used to be free throws the last few years that drove me crazy.
Yes. And going forward Pike needs to get our roster to be more like OSU, who has really talented players after their first 7 or 8. With two of their best players out, Zed Key and Sensabaugh, their offense looked great against a defense from MSU on Friday. That is depth!
IF he gets much better at everything, sure
If he just gets a little better at some things and plays 30 mins we won’t be very good
15 shots/game and make 5-6 of them is not good
No doubt forgot about him, went to RU during Wenzel/Bannon era.
He is way more like Jacob young than geo. While geo was a combo guard he relied on his handles and size to get to his jump shot.
Simpson, like JY, uses his speed and quickness ti get to his spots. Something we have been missing since JY departed.
Simpson, like JY, uses his speed and quickness ti get to his spots. Something we have been missing since JY departed.
Derek definitely has lots of upside potential for a guard.
His thee point shooting really needs to improve. But his shooting form is pretty good. Seems like most of his misses are narrow ones. He doesn’t air mail them the way some of our other not so great shooters tend to do. With work and more experience there’s every reason to expect his shooting percentages will improve.
His thee point shooting really needs to improve. But his shooting form is pretty good. Seems like most of his misses are narrow ones. He doesn’t air mail them the way some of our other not so great shooters tend to do. With work and more experience there’s every reason to expect his shooting percentages will improve.
I think his biggest issue is his feet. If you watch, they do something different every time. He could use some help solidifying his form, even tho it is nice he can get off some unique shots with his loose form
Maybe I'm buying a little too much into these last couple games, but I think next year he is a 30 mpg player.