Derek Simpson: A Star Is Born!

[Degaz-RU]

I’m not old enough to make the comparison to Battle.

For me, over the past 35 years, Simpson reminds me of Corey Sanders. Similar athleticism and quickness, similar ability to drive the lane, similar “gravitas,” and similar shooting ability. Maybe more upside shooting ability.

 

[satnom]

I’m not old enough to make the comparison to Battle.

For me, over the past 35 years, Simpson reminds me of Corey Sanders. Similar athleticism and quickness, similar ability to drive the lane, similar “gravitas,” and similar shooting ability. Maybe more upside shooting ability.

More recent comparison but fair. Sanders different build, strong dribble and hops out the gym but Simpson is just as athletic, beautiful stroke on shot, high ball IQ, great hands and fearless. Just needs to continue to improve. The best is yet to come.

For what’s it worth: Battle played in the NBA.

GO RU

 

[RUScrew85]

Not sure confidence is the right word. He never seems s to lack that.

Relaxation to go with the confidence.

 

[Ronnie_B]

Imagine if had this kid the past few years?

Oh boy!

 

[RUTrack94]

Only a frosh … he’s got speed you just can’t teach … think Paul and Caleb did make a difference … was awesome to see!

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

I had to keep checking the calendar...Derek's 2nd half was like a replay of games where Geo took over.

 

[billgumpper]

Then the opposing coach should have his PG cover Simpson and his SG cover Paul or Caleb. We can't tell the other team who covers who.

Well it didn’t happen in this game. That kid Galloway stood no chance.

 

[rudad02]

In the first half I was screaming at the TV for for Pike to "get him out of there"--Shots early in the clock, wasn't hitting; rejected driving into the trees; blunting any momentum we had. Second half drained everything he threw up, great bucket off a drive. Huge part of the reason we won.

 

[Mr Magoo]

Kid is going to be good and had an incredible second half. We will also pull our hair out at times as he matures. Still, celebrate this one.

 

[BillyC80]

As a true freshman Simpson makes errors of aggression, which I believe is preferable over being timid and afraid to make mistakes.

As he gets more accustomed to playing within the flow, he’s learning each day when to be aggressive and when to defer. It’s a better way to go, imo, than expecting a less aggressive player to push himself outside of his comfort zone.

 

[Unionst]

Battle is a great comparison. Athletic as all get out Fast and major hops

Battle was a muscular pogo stick. Could go straight up on a dime. Battle also did not show anything at all until his junior year. Another comparison I don’t see.

 

[Westcoast]

Craig Carter did not have this quickness and had a different body type too. I cannot understand that comparison at all.

Agreed. Carter Didn't even have an outside shot until his senior year.

 

[RU848789]

Hopefully this take is not premature, but Simpson's play today reminds me of John Battle's emergence as a junior

Absolutely - great comparison, in playing style and athleticism. Battle was my favorite player in my undergrad days.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

Some weird comparisons here. Battle? Craig Carter? Not sure where those are coming from. Don’t see those at all. The closet that I can see and it’s not really that close either is Corey Sanders.

 

[shields]

Battle because kid is quick and can jump.

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

Some weird comparisons here. Battle? Craig Carter? Not sure where those are coming from. Don’t see those at all. The closet that I can see and it’s not really that close either is Corey Sanders.

Geo Baker w/more speed is what I saw yesterday

 

[ColonelRutgers]

I’m sure Battle was quick enough otherwise he wouldn’t have lasted in the NBA for as long as he did but all of my memories of Battle were of him of taking a couple of dribbles and then pogo sticking his way above defenders in the half court and shooting the j. And never remember anything he did defensively.

Agree that I see a lot more Geo in Simpson. Of course that clear out and step back jumper are fresh in my memory too.

 

[Eagleton96]

How tall is Simpson actually?

 

[Scangg]

Having Paul and Caleb there is huge for him rather than him having to do much of it on his own.

This. Simpson was forced into running the show due to injury as a true freshman and it wasn't a role he was prepping for this season. With Paul and Caleb back, Simpson returns to his intended role and thrived.

Listened to Simpson with Jerry and AJ. Postgame. He’s already more mature than me and I graduated over 30 years ago.

I listed to Geo's Discord interview of Simpson before the season and I knew he would be a stud. I already was high on his tape coming out, but his maturity and attitude made me positive he had the right mindset to reach his potential

 

[Scangg]

It was me and I'll stand by it when he is playing PG. Now the 2 guard is a different story, the player guarding him isnt nearly as quick.

Dude, how are you possibly doubling down on this take?!?!

I know your default mode is negative, but seriously wtf are you watching? Come on man! In what world is Simpson not quick. He has to be one of the quickest players in the B1G.

 

[jakeknight]

What Battle and Simpson both had/have is the ability to go at full speed pull up elevate vertically and get a shot off without any momentum forward. First time I saw JB do that it was a holy sh** moment very rare and virtually unguardable. Simpson did that on the fast break three. That kind of Body control is other worldly. Young could do something similar when he drove the lane and got off a floater, nobody was ever able to guard him.
Just is unbelievable body control that few have

 

[jakeknight]

Unfortunately for Cam Spencer, Derek Simpson is far more effective/valuable as a two rather than a pg. Think he can become a pg but right now the team gets a lot more from him as a two with Mulcahy pulling the trigger.

 

[billgumpper]

Dude, how are you possibly doubling down on this take?!?!

I know your default mode is negative, but seriously wtf are you watching? Come on man! In what world is Simpson not quick. He has to be one of the quickest players in the B1G.

How many games, even against the cupcakes did you see him take the other teams PG off the dribble to the hoop? Now against Indiana when being guarded by their 2 guard, he had no problem. I think his best position may be 2 guard based on what I’ve seen.

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

Let’s pump the brakes

He’s still a very raw Frosh that needs to knock down more shots

He’s def promising though

 

[Scangg]

How many games, even against the cupcakes did you see him take the other teams PG off the dribble to the hoop? Now against Indiana when being guarded by their 2 guard, he had no problem. I think his best position may be 2 guard based on what I’ve seen.

He's had zero problem getting past anyone so far. He's had issues getting blocked at the rim

 

[RU848789]

Unfortunately for Cam Spencer, Derek Simpson is far more effective/valuable as a two rather than a pg. Think he can become a pg but right now the team gets a lot more from him as a two with Mulcahy pulling the trigger.

Yeah, but there's plenty of time and different opportunities for both of them at the 2 and both are better at the 2 than as PG, especially if Paul is playing the point. Assuming Paul stays healthy and averages 30-35 min per game, he makes either guy better at the 2 and I think we'll still see Cam play some good games, where he's not being asked to bring the ball up or run the offense. Plus either can spell Paul at the point (as can Caleb at times). It's good to have options.

 

[jakeknight]

Don’t disagree, both Cam and Derek are better at the two for different reasons. Think Derek can become a pg, but he is not a natural. Would rather see Caleb run the point when Paul is not on the floor.

 

[Big boy stan]

Tomorrow night will be an interesting on for the freshmen. Coming off a "hero" game and going into an environment the like of which I am sure he has never experienced. Will be interesting to see if he tries to do too much, too little or plays under control.

 

[hoquat63]

On BTN Tre Debs had him as one of two most notable freshman

 

[mugrat86]

I knew John Battle pretty well and marveled at his athleticism. Simpson has a long way to becoming John, but they do have many similar attributes that have been mentioned by some posters. Yes, John was much more muscular, and Simpson is probably faster, but they definitely have many similarities. John didn’t contribute till his sophomore year and Simpson does seem ahead of his pace

 

[Kodiak Bear]

He's had zero problem getting past anyone so far. He's had issues getting blocked at the rim

I don’t get this whole argument. Your role on offense doesn’t dictate who guards you on defense.