OT: Derek Simpson

G- RUnit

All-American
Sep 13, 2004
14,272
7,866
113
Nice game leading St. Joes to an upset win on the road over Richmond.

Leading scorer with 19 points.
Leading rebounder with 13!
Leading minutes with 37.
One turnover all game.
5-9 from 3.

What might have been?
 
  • Like
Reactions: tm_nj and satnom

MADHAT1

Heisman
Apr 1, 2003
31,068
15,945
113
Good for him, he seems to be doing well there

DateTeamOpponentResultGSMPFGFGAFG%2P2PA2P%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2026-01-07Saint Joseph'sDuquesneW 97-90 (OT)*41612.50057.71415.200991.00003311411022
2026-01-03Saint Joseph'sDavidsonL 56-62*3739.33336.50003.00000022300236
2025-12-31Saint Joseph's@Saint LouisL 79-102*28511.45547.57114.250111.0001345001012
2025-12-28Saint Joseph'sArcadiaW 87-65*2214.25013.33301.00000336520102
2025-12-22Saint Joseph'sCoastal CarolinaL 62-68*38822.364713.53819.111111.0004481201318
 

G- RUnit

All-American
Sep 13, 2004
14,272
7,866
113
American! ;-)

He could easily play in B1G. Wasn’t he one of the leading foul shooters in the B1G two years in a row. Always a solid defensive player. Just had to work on shot a bit.
 

RedTeamUpstream94

All-American
Jan 15, 2021
3,305
6,151
113
like Griffiths I would have preferred if Simpson stayed (and developed) but, honestly, I wasn’t particularly heart broken at the time

and then it’s not like either lit it up last year (particularly Griffith who was absolutely buried on the nebby bench)

But now they are a full 2 years removed.

So while it’s of interest how they do I don’t think it reflects on pike one way or the other. Imho
 

wheezer

Heisman
Jun 3, 2001
169,616
25,264
113
like Griffiths I would have preferred if Simpson stayed (and developed) but, honestly, I wasn’t particularly heart broken at the time

and then it’s not like either lit it up last year (particularly Griffith who was absolutely buried on the nebby bench)

But now they are a full 2 years removed.

So while it’s of interest how they do I don’t think it reflects on pike one way or the other. Imho
Simpson showed a,lot more than Griffiths, and I wish Simpson had stayed

All we had from a Griffith was a high school potential that never appeared here in a game
 
  • Like
Reactions: RedTeamUpstream94

RUDiddy777

Heisman
Feb 26, 2015
33,367
37,797
113
Good for him, he seems to be doing well there

DateTeamOpponentResultGSMPFGFGAFG%2P2PA2P%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2026-01-07Saint Joseph'sDuquesneW 97-90 (OT)*41612.50057.71415.200991.00003311411022
2026-01-03Saint Joseph'sDavidsonL 56-62*3739.33336.50003.00000022300236
2025-12-31Saint Joseph's@Saint LouisL 79-102*28511.45547.57114.250111.0001345001012
2025-12-28Saint Joseph'sArcadiaW 87-65*2214.25013.33301.00000336520102
2025-12-22Saint Joseph'sCoastal CarolinaL 62-68*38822.364713.53819.111111.0004481201318

Except for the 3/22 from deep…
 
  • Like
Reactions: DHajekRC1984

RU-ROCS

All-American
Feb 5, 2003
12,307
7,409
113
Nice game leading St. Joes to an upset win on the road over Richmond.

Leading scorer with 19 points.
Leading rebounder with 13!
Leading minutes with 37.
One turnover all game.
5-9 from 3.

What might have been?

What might have been? The kid can't shoot and that has remained the same even dropping down a level. He has improved a bit on overall FG% as a senior so far this year, but last season at SJU he shot only 35% from the field and 30% from three. This year only 27% from 3.

Career Stats​

See All
Stats
2025-26
2024-25
2023-24
2022-23

GPMINFG%3P%FT%REBASTBLKSTLPFTOPTS
1731.941.727.093.85.73.90.21.21.31.611.8
3530.035.130.877.03.93.60.11.01.71.78.7
3226.130.528.286.43.22.90.11.41.31.58.3
3420.137.421.779.31.61.50.10.81.20.97.1
 

Rutgers25

All-American
Jul 29, 2001
7,695
6,055
83
Simpson wouldn’t have changed much but I would have preferred he stay. I’m not a big fan of roster turnover just for the sake of turnover. A guy like Jordan Derkack offered nothing that Simpson couldn’t provide. What was the point? Same for Acuff.
 

RUBubba

All-Conference
Sep 4, 2002
4,898
2,548
113
Nephew goes to SJU, so I've been following them a bit. Simpson is in the right place now and don't really fault him for leaving RU. He's a leader on and off the court for them.

And yeah, he is very hot and cold shooting. Been playing very well the last couple of games.
 

LeapinLou

All-American
Jul 24, 2001
12,938
6,383
113
The inconsistency from game to game was frustrating. He wasn't a guy you could count on while at RU. I think it all worked out for the best for everyone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simce91

Shelby65

All-Conference
Apr 1, 2008
8,178
4,527
66
Simpson showed a,lot more than Griffiths, and I wish Simpson had stayed

All we had from a Griffith was a high school potential that never appeared here in a game
He showed more than Griffiths because he controlled the ball, just like Ace watched Harper with the ball and now Grant has little more than a good view of the game as Francis takes at least half the shots when he’s in the game.

Our guards have not elevated the play of others one bit. Not Baker,Spencer, Davis, Harper, Francis or anyone in memory.

Griffiths would be the best all around player on the current team, not Simpson or anyone on this roster, in a team-oriented offense.
 

Shelby65

All-Conference
Apr 1, 2008
8,178
4,527
66
Simpson wouldn’t have changed much but I would have preferred he stay. I’m not a big fan of roster turnover just for the sake of turnover. A guy like Jordan Derkack offered nothing that Simpson couldn’t provide. What was the point? Same for Acuff.
The comparison is to Davis, not Derkack the Destroyer who was an oafish, unskilled bully. But Pike rolled with Ace Bait Davis instead, showing Simpson the door.
 

FAT MOON

All-Conference
Mar 27, 2006
4,145
4,207
113
Simpson could always rebound really well for a guard...miss that.

However if he was here the masses would REALLY be fired up over the number of mid range shots we take...
 

wheezer

Heisman
Jun 3, 2001
169,616
25,264
113
He showed more than Griffiths because he controlled the ball, just like Ace watched Harper with the ball and now Grant has little more than a good view of the game as Francis takes at least half the shots when he’s in the game.

Our guards have not elevated the play of others one bit. Not Baker,Spencer, Davis, Harper, Francis or anyone in memory.

Griffiths would be the best all around player on the current team, not Simpson or anyone on this roster, in a team-oriented offense.
You would like him on the team after several years of development
He was not good the year he was here, the next year etc
Would he have been a,senior now?
 

Shelby65

All-Conference
Apr 1, 2008
8,178
4,527
66
Only saying some of his underperforming here had to do with non-distributing guards. Ace underperformed too, same reason.
 

seansherm

Heisman
Feb 20, 2009
12,961
13,838
113
I was one of Derek's biggest critics after his first year and one of his biggest supporters after his second. Wish he had stayed. He still can't shoot though.
 

RUBubba

All-Conference
Sep 4, 2002
4,898
2,548
113
Derek has been playing well lately. He's an interesting player though. He started out I think 6-6 including 4 three pointers, then missed his next 6 shots including 2 or 3 airballs that missed both left and right, not the typical short or long.

Right level for him though, and very respected by his team mates and coaches.
 

G- RUnit

All-American
Sep 13, 2004
14,272
7,866
113
You can tone down the level nonsense.
He’s a B1G player. Took over games for us, Maryland, PSU.
Made big shots.
B1G rebounder and foul shooter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wheezer

bitnez

All-American
Jan 18, 2006
6,249
6,691
113
You can tone down the level nonsense.
He’s a B1G player. Took over games for us, Maryland, PSU.
Made big shots.
B1G rebounder and foul shooter.
I know you’ve always been a big supporter but respectfully if he was a high major player he’d be at a high major school. With that said, good for him showing out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: shields

bitnez

All-American
Jan 18, 2006
6,249
6,691
113
He could easily start here with Francis.
How many 0fers by JMike this year?
I mean that's not saying much. But, again, my point still stands -- if he wants to jump back into the portal and find a landing spot on a P4 squad he should do it. I expect we'll see Gavin at a Big East school next year.
 

Shelby65

All-Conference
Apr 1, 2008
8,178
4,527
66
I know you’ve always been a big supporter but respectfully if he was a high major player he’d be at a high major school. With that said, good for him showing out.
Is JMiss a high major player ? Your measure fails. Ace Bait is almost always terrible. Once every two weeks he scores and the blind here begin singing his praises anew. At least Lino does other things. #1 is useless through and through.

Simpson was and is far superior. But keeping him meant discouraging JMiss and losing Bailey. As it turned out, Pike picked the wrong player.
 
Last edited:

wheezer

Heisman
Jun 3, 2001
169,616
25,264
113
Derek has been playing well lately. He's an interesting player though. He started out I think 6-6 including 4 three pointers, then missed his next 6 shots including 2 or 3 airballs that missed both left and right, not the typical short or long.

Right level for him though, and very respected by his team mates and coaches.
Derek was a pretty big loss for us and,would have,helped us win this year
 

G- RUnit

All-American
Sep 13, 2004
14,272
7,866
113
Simpson in a win over Dayton today.
20 points. 5-11 from the field, 3-7 from
3.
Even more impressive: 4 rebounds and 9, count them, 9 assists.
 

G- RUnit

All-American
Sep 13, 2004
14,272
7,866
113
Derek another wonderful game against in a blowout of Loyola of Chicago on the road.

An extremely impressive Stat line:

15 points on 7-13 shooting but even better was his all around game.

Three assists and get this, 5 STEALS and most impressive of all 10 REBOUNDS!

We could have used some of that rebounding prowess against MSU.
 

bitnez

All-American
Jan 18, 2006
6,249
6,691
113
Derek another wonderful game against in a blowout of Loyola of Chicago on the road.

An extremely impressive Stat line:

15 points on 7-13 shooting but even better was his all around game.

Three assists and get this, 5 STEALS and most impressive of all 10 REBOUNDS!

We could have used some of that rebounding prowess against MSU.
Since you must be friends with him, I’m generally curious — RU gave him the talk and told him he wouldn’t have a scholarship? Because if not, it was Derek who didn’t want to stay, battle for minutes, likely take a backup role for a year, and be able to start here as a senior.
 

bitnez

All-American
Jan 18, 2006
6,249
6,691
113
Is JMiss a high major player ? Your measure fails. Ace Bait is almost always terrible. Once every two weeks he scores and the blind here begin singing his praises anew. At least Lino does other things. #1 is useless through and through.

Simpson was and is far superior. But keeping him meant discouraging JMiss and losing Bailey. As it turned out, Pike picked the wrong player.
Yes - JMike is a high major player because he swallowed his pride, worked hard, stayed committed, and eventually got his shot. Is he good? Not really but that’s not the point. Derek decided he didn’t want to go from starter to bench player and take a backseat to elite NBA prospects. No ill will toward him. He did what was best, transferred down, and after 2 years he’s now playing really good ball at a lower level. Props to him
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wagram97
Apr 8, 2002
15,351
26,084
113
Yes - JMike is a high major player because he swallowed his pride, worked hard, stayed committed, and eventually got his shot. Is he good? Not really but that’s not the point. Derek decided he didn’t want to go from starter to bench player and take a backseat to elite NBA prospects. No ill will toward him. He did what was best, transferred down, and after 2 years he’s now playing really good ball at a lower level. Props to him
Giving props to Derek is fine, but why take a shot at a current Rutgers player? You can praise Derek, but the back hand knock on JMike isn't called for at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MADHAT1

RUBubba

All-Conference
Sep 4, 2002
4,898
2,548
113
Derek another wonderful game against in a blowout of Loyola of Chicago on the road.

An extremely impressive Stat line:

15 points on 7-13 shooting but even better was his all around game.

Three assists and get this, 5 STEALS and most impressive of all 10 REBOUNDS!

We could have used some of that rebounding prowess against MSU.

Think that was backwards... 10 assists! and 3 rebounds. Think he actually had 9 assists in the first half as they opened up a huge first halftime lead.
 
  • Like
Reactions: G- RUnit

littlenis5

Senior
Jun 21, 2004
1,459
954
113
Is JMiss a high major player ? Your measure fails. Ace Bait is almost always terrible. Once every two weeks he scores and the blind here begin singing his praises anew. At least Lino does other things. #1 is useless through and through.

Simpson was and is far superior. But keeping him meant discouraging JMiss and losing Bailey. As it turned out, Pike picked the wrong player.
What are the other things Lino does? This guy is so overrated on these boards because he’s a freshman. JMike was better at all the things Lino is good at as a freshman. Today he’s significantly better. Good Lino can be an energy spark - last night he made a costly turnover and passed up open shots in the flow of the offense because he can’t shoot from anywhere on the floor. He is shooting 27% from the floor and is 0-17 on 3s! He has a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio. JMike may not be a stud lead guard but he clears Lino easily; if their roles were reversed, JMike would be praised for his change of pace. In every win JMike has played a role in hitting big time shots
 

Shelby65

All-Conference
Apr 1, 2008
8,178
4,527
66
V
What are the other things Lino does? This guy is so overrated on these boards because he’s a freshman. JMike was better at all the things Lino is good at as a freshman. Today he’s significantly better. Good Lino can be an energy spark - last night he made a costly turnover and passed up open shots in the flow of the offense because he can’t shoot from anywhere on the floor. He is shooting 27% from the floor and is 0-17 on 3s! He has a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio. JMike may not be a stud lead guard but he clears Lino easily; if their roles were reversed, JMike would be praised for his change of pace. In every win JMike has played a role in hitting big time shots
Fair points. More often than not Lino is a tougher defender and rebounder (for his size) and doesn’t play the matador D that JMiss does. JMiss bluffs tight perimeter D and gets blown past for a layup almost every time.

And just as importantly, official stats on assists are bogus and subjective. In our iso offense JMiss gets credit for assists passing to players who then take defenders 1:1. Those aren’t assists deserving credit. When was the last time JMiss made a nice pass that directly created a bucket. I’ll tell you when: high school.

Mark actually does drive and dish like the position should. Even Francis does sometimes. JMiss never once. He’s strictly an iso player.

Now, I’ll give him a pass for the critical missed FTs last night because overall he had a good game (for him) scoring but the fact remains he’s the weakest overall of the 4 guards. He can’t defend or distribute at all, and usually can’t score. Credit last night but generally a major negative
 

seansherm

Heisman
Feb 20, 2009
12,961
13,838
113
V

Fair points. More often than not Lino is a tougher defender and rebounder (for his size) and doesn’t play the matador D that JMiss does. JMiss bluffs tight perimeter D and gets blown past for a layup almost every time.

And just as importantly, official stats on assists are bogus and subjective. In our iso offense JMiss gets credit for assists passing to players who then take defenders 1:1. Those aren’t assists deserving credit. When was the last time JMiss made a nice pass that directly created a bucket. I’ll tell you when: high school.

Mark actually does drive and dish like the position should. Even Francis does sometimes. JMiss never once. He’s strictly an iso player.

Now, I’ll give him a pass for the critical missed FTs last night because overall he had a good game (for him) scoring but the fact remains he’s the weakest overall of the 4 guards. He can’t defend or distribute at all, and usually can’t score. Credit last night but generally a major negative
Just stop. Where do you think the unicorn assist that Lino comes up with comes from? The same way JMikes do. Lino doesn't pass out when he gets to the paint, he forces a missed layup. He is JMike as a freshman, more athletic, less effective. JMike doesn't look to drive, or for his shot unless it's at the end of the shot clock. Lino has had passes come out of the post to him wide open multiple times the last two games and won't even consider shooting. We get good shots, and he won't even take them. Shouldn't be out there at all right now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: littlenis5

Shelby65

All-Conference
Apr 1, 2008
8,178
4,527
66
He does drive and dish. You just haven’t noticed. He also usually makes layups and isn’t an auto-rejection like JMiss is.

Of course he doesn’t shoot well now and it’s good that he doesn’t. And JMiss is better at that…but overall Mark is more talented.
 

seansherm

Heisman
Feb 20, 2009
12,961
13,838
113
He does drive and dish. You just haven’t noticed. He also usually makes layups and isn’t an auto-rejection like JMiss is.

Of course he doesn’t shoot well now and it’s good that he doesn’t. And JMiss is better at that…but overall Mark is more talented.
No, he doesn't usually make them. Lino, and JMike are both in the bottom 8% in the nation with their shooting %'s at the rim, both under 39%. Expand it to in the paint and Lino at 33% (JMike 42%), bottom 1/3rd in the country and it just gets worse farther out.
Look at Jmike's freshman year where he was forced onto the court like Lino now. His numbers were better across the board. Maybe Lino develops better than JMike did, but not sure it happens. Remember, JMike was better in HS too.
I'm no trying to shi.. on Lino, he's a freshman. Other than speedy activity, he hasn't added much. He works on D.