Here’s a quickie story on Bruce Weber’s latest recruit, Stan Simpson of Chicago Simeon:
By MARK TUPPER
H&R Executive Sports Editor
CHAMPAIGN – Bruce Weber’s basketball recruiting binge continues.
Stan Simpson, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound senior at Chicago Simeon High School, gave Weber and the University of Illinois a verbal commitment Monday.
Simpson becomes the fourth recruit Weber has landed in the past five days and the first for the Class of 2008, which means he’ll be an Illini freshman next season.
Simpson’s decision comes after Weber received verbal commitments late last week from three players who will arrive in 2009. Those players are current high school juniors D.J. Richardson of Peoria Central, Brandon Paul of Warren Township in Gurnee and Joseph Bertrand of Sterling.
Simpson, who didn’t play organized basketball until arriving in high school, was an all-Catholic League player at Chicago Leo before transferring to Chicago Simeon in the Chicago Public League for his senior year.
His coach at Simeon, Robert Smith, said Simpson is just “scratching the surface” in terms of his individual development.
“Right now, his biggest attribute is shot blocking and rebounding, although he can score around the basket,” Smith said Monday night. “You have to remember he’s only been playing for three years.
“I think coach Weber’s offense fits the way Stan plays. And they will bring him along and take him to the next level.”
Smith said Simpson was positively influenced by Richardson’s decision.
“Stan was making his official visit (on the weekend of Oct. 6) and at the same time D.J. was making an unofficial visit,” Smith said. “They’re friends and I think D.J.’s decision made Stan more comfortable.”
Smith said new Illini assistant Jerrance Howard had also met with Simpson and talked with him about coming to Illinois.
Simpson plays for the Illinois Warriors AAU team coached by Larry Butler, who said he thought Illinois would be a good destination for Simpson as he furthers his game.
Simpson was recruited by a number of schools, including Minnesota, Kansas State and Indiana, but in the end it came down to Illinois and Arkansas.
M.J. IN TOWN – A famous face showed up at Illinois basketball practice Monday.
NBA legend Michael Jordan, father of freshman walkon Jeffrey Jordan, showed up to help NBC film a piece being produced for The Today Show with Matt Lauer. No word on when the piece will be broadcast, but it will focus on Jeff Jordan and his life in college basketball as the son of an NBA great.
October 15th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
And so the benefits begin.
October 15th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
At this rate, before you know it, we’ll be talking about the 2011 class!!!
This is a real good get for Weber & Company; unlike most Bigs on the team right now, Stan is a low post player. He’ll come in right in time to become Carlwell’s back up as Carlwell (hopefully) move up in the rotation to replace Pruitt as our main post starter.
Congrats to the staff, the team, and the fan.
October 15th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
See what can happen when you start pulling in the recruits. Jerrance helps land DJ who lands Simpson, Paul and Bertrand who in turn solidify Jereme. I wouldn’t be surprised now if someone we never thought we could get for 08 will suddenly show up.
SUCCESS IS CONTAGIOUS!!
Speaking of success, I am all for any good vibes MJ can provide. If I was Bruce, I would make a hard play for the little brother now. MJ in Champaign full-time would be of great benefit and Winners don’t fall far from the tree.
October 15th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I think Michael still has one year of eligibility left and he won’t need a scholarship.
October 15th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
How many scholarships are left to give out? Does it exclude Q Watkins coming back and assume that CJ Jackson does not count?
October 16th, 2007 at 6:27 am
Even before this success, most articles said that Q Watkins return was highly unlikely. Where nobody would commit, now we suddenly, and I mean suddenly, are in a position to be careful that any further offers have to be to kids that will fit in with this team and add depth in the right place. The future looks bright, but I don’t expect anything really big until 2011 when these kids get a chance to mesh and grow physically. At least we all have something to look forward to, and won’t be sitting around next fall with an empty 2009 cupboard of recruits.
Here’s hoping we thump Michigan this weekend!
October 16th, 2007 at 8:00 am
Some solid recurits for BW. Not as good as many would like and much better than some feared. We do have a good foundation of players. Add a 5-star player now and then or have some players step up like Deon W. did and we could be a top five team. Some will say this is not good enough and it depends on if or maybe. Just remember, you may love the Illini, but, we do not have the draw of a Kansas, NC, Kentucky, Duck, aand maybe a few others. We do have good bb players in Illinois and the door to Chicago maybe opening.
October 16th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Great article in Pantagraph on UI/Mich. I have my ticket stub from our last victory at home and note that the game was on Oct.29, not Sept. I recall there were 5 Saturdays in Oct, 1983. We won home games on the first, third and fifth Saturdays against Iowa, OSU and Michigan. I have ticket stubs from all 3. In addition, since our family was living in Vandalia at this time we subscribed to The Herald & Review. Believe it or not, I kept the complete Sunday edition for each game the Illini team played on Saturday. I actually pulled them out early this morning just to verify that the Illini beat Michigan on Saturday, OCtober 29, 1983. You are the best and what fun to read stories of games from 24 years ago. I guess that means both of us have stood the test of time. I hope to see you in Hawaii as Cindy and I are going out for the Maui Classic. Your friend, Dennis
October 16th, 2007 at 9:28 am
fellas. just the thought of Michael in the Assembly Hall or Ubben, kickin it with the team, gives me freakin chills. This is special having J. Jordan walkon. Welcome to the Illini family Stan Simpson…
October 16th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Congratulations to Coach Zook on his extension. Its is my sincere hope that he turns out to be the most successful coach Illinois has had. Good Luck Coach
October 16th, 2007 at 11:12 am
While Weber continues recruiting in his own (hopefully clean) way, there’s an uproar here in Indy over the latest Sampson cheating. Top Indy columnist Kravitz says, “At this point, Indiana University doesn’t just have the right to fire coach Kelvin Sampson for just cause. It has the moral imperative to close the book on his short and sordid stewardship of the school’s once-storied basketball program.” Kent Benson: “I’m absolutely, totally embarrassed for the Indiana basketball program….If no tolerance is no tolerance, they get rid of him.” It seems that the two legacies Bob Knight left at IU are clashing: following the rules vs. winning, winning, winning.
To some IU fans, it’s clear which value triumphs in that contest: “Is Eric Gordon and a national championship worth $500,000? [that's the raise Sampson now won't get] I say yes,” one was quoted as saying.
The top assistant who got caught along with Sampson is now barred from going off campus for a year. The assistant, an ex-New Yorker, was after 4 NYC area kids — all very good — and had one verbal. Now what happens to them?
October 16th, 2007 at 11:37 am
I’m totally groovin about Simpson. With Tisdale and Cole being “polished” low post guys and Carwell being the next big man of the year we needed a “project” in the low post!
For all our sanity just count on Indiana getting zero punishment from the NCAA.
Chitwood - I think your right on with the outta nowhere recruit for 08. There is still a few good ones left. This current run screams of a land grab just to show others that people want to go to Illinois. However, If I beleive the bull analogy (and I do) then I must give Weber some leeway for the longterm.
Brooks - See what I mean about Editor Boy being two people. The last one said he would be back in a couple months now this one doesn’t cut and paste and acts like he doesn’t know why we thought he would be gone for awhile. At least they could leave notes for each other. (Plus the angry one always calls out FRG for being Winston, or as he cleverly says “Winstoned”)
Did anyone see the ESPN promo for the Michigan Illinois game? How awesome to see them advertising the night game of the week and we are involved!!!!! Our highlight player was Benn (you know one of those top 100 nationally ranked players!) I get to play golf and watch the Illini? America is the greatest country ever!!!!!!
October 16th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Great commentary from Hoosierland, Illinirev. As is often the case, too much was made between the often heated exchanges and long-time rivalry between Lou Henson and Bobby Knight, and not nearly enough about Indiana’s once proud tradition of integrity. It’s very sad that some IU fans would rather have another banner than their once solid reputation. And even more sad that guys like Izzo and Weber have to share the Big Ten spotlight with the likes of Sampson.
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My comments about the Juice-McGee situation in the last thread apparently raised the hackles of many of you, (one post read “McGee is clearly the better quarterback”). Of course if you believe that, by default you must also believe Zook is incapable as a coach, otherwise he’d be able to see things as “clearly” as you, right?
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I never said McGee ISN’T the better QB; what I DID say was that being a more accurate passer does not make McGee a better quarterback, and that I’d have to see more of him in order to make an informed judgement of my own.
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In the meantime, all we’re doing is arguing over differences in opinions to which we are all entitled, and as much as I hate to break it to you, you’re trying to convince the wrong guy.
October 16th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
We should do whatever we can to lean on the IU recruits, help with the investigation etc.
Nobody messes with the Illini!!!!!!!!!!
I heard The Zooker got an extension til 2012. Why do I feel that he will be gone before then?? I say he gets run out of town around 2010 and 2011.
Any takers??
October 16th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
IlliniRev- The whole situation sucks. Their is no punishment. Indiana penalized themselves by losing an extra scholarship and fining Samscum $500K. They purposely held back a scholly for this and gave Samscum a raise they knew he wouldn’t get. They will just have another assistant recruit his players. The NCAA should come down hard, but I seriously doubt it. It’s a joke.
Interesting article in the Suntimes on Simpson. Says, “Simpson transferred from Leo to Simeon over the summer. Simeon coach Robert Smith said that Simpson’s grades are not a problem, contrary to rumors that started this summer.
”That might have been from people upset that he left the other school,” Smith said. “Stan’s grades are fine.”
That’s good news. Alot of schools passed over him because of grade concerns. The last thing we need is another Watkins.
October 16th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Powerful One, who would I keep? Shawn Pruitt, Jamar Smith, and Chester Frazier. All would be great role players. What does this prove? Weber will never recruit a Frank Williams or Dee Brown? We should dismiss all of Weber’s recruits categorically? I choose to be positive. There’s a very good chance these recruits will continue the level of play we’ve come to expect.
X, if Zook’s biggest negative is he blows a few games each year, he’d still be the best football coach at Illinois for a long long time. I say he stays as long as he wants.
Marlin, it must really hurt that Weber has given on the true fans something to look forward to. Everybody is wrong some of the time, you more than others though.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Man, it’s nice to read some positive vibes on this page! (Where are all the Debbie Downers now!) Yes, the future looks very bright. Bright orange.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
IlliniRev,
Thanks for the update. I caught something on the big 10 network about “self-imposed” sanctions. Boy, this guys (Sampson) cant help himself. I predict the NCAA doesnt touch him. If the same higher ups at IU that canned Knight, held themself to the same standards as then, Sampson should be gone. Personally, I wouldn’t care if it weren’t for his high profile stench reflecting on the Big 10. I havent seen anything out of this guy that shows he has an ounce of integrity….and I give him loads of credit as a floor coach. I think he’s one of the best, but as many of you know by now, in my humble opinion, that is only part of what makes a good coach.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hey, KYM! If we continue to sign “project” big men then we’re bound to strike gold sooner or later.
This philosophy reminds me of an approach a friend of mine in college had with the ladies.
Also, about the ESPN highlight. Was it of Benn being overthrown by a juice pass or maybe just him lining up and NOT getting the pass (as usual)? WE have a BUNCH of film on that.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
KYM- You mean Juice wasn’t in the ESPN promo? Go figure. haha
RPIC- If accuracy doesn’t make you the better quarterback, then what does? What good does it do to have a strong arm if you can’t read a defense and hit the open receiver? I can list a ton of QB’s who were not successful because even though they had strong arms, they had poor accuracy. And yes, I do doubt Zook’s ability to coach. Did you watch the game last week? Now I know why you only post every few months.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Lean on the Indiana recruits? Most excellent idea Xavier. Maybe send them a copy of the Kravitz and Benson comments. All on the hush hush and very QT.
Dennis, can you get me tickets to the Maui classic? crk
October 16th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Did Bruce Weber steal an old girlfriend of yours or beat you out of some money, Marlin. Your last post in the last thread shows your obvious dislike for him no matter what he does. In your eyes he will probably never do anything right. Richardson & Bertrand could be the 2 best guards in the state by the time they graduate & you still don’t like them? Your statement that BAM has no talent for the next 2 or 3 years is contrary to what many people think. Give these kids a chance to play before you write them off.
Some bb nuts I know said Stan Simpson was 1 of the best centers in Chicago last year & is getting better all the time.
October 16th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
All the discussion about who is the better quarterback, Juice or McGee, and why one or the other is better reminds me of a comment by Joe Namath that I’ll never forget. When asked what makes a good quarterback, Namath’s simple response was “A good team.”
We have a young team with two young quarterbacks. My preference is to let them grow up together a little bit before passing judgement on them. Let them become good together. The coaching staff seems to to think that Juice gives us the best chance for winning because of his set of skills (yes, there are more skills to a good quarterback than just passing accuracy).
Coaches decision–let them grow up together and see what happens. Just my humble opinion.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Brooks - When a guy says accuracy doesn’t make a quarterback better that should be your cue that you are talking to a knowledge sinkhole! Just move on!
Jake - So you would keep a low post player who doesn’t pass, a shooting guard who is suspended, and a point guard that Purdue (Purdue???) dares to shoot and gets away with it? If you always do what you’ve always done You will always get what you’ve always gotten. Keep role players be a bit player in the tournament. Take bit players and don’t make them better, and you become the winningest program with no chance of a title. Your so positive you must be a fine human. Be careful of that shadow my son!
X - Somehow they found an action pose of him in open space? I’m guessing photo shopped.
What is all this dread and angst about Indiana’a lowered morals? I love it! Nothing would make me happier than them keeping Sampson and being considered the scum of the scum! Ah good times!
Am I reading this right. We got the 12th ranked guy in the 08 Illinois class class? The same class everyone has told me was very thin? the class that has an overrated Dunnigan ranked 3rd? Now 12th is better than 3rd? Behind the Tisdale, Cole, Davis projects I bet he gets a ton of minutes!
October 17th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Brooks, I’ve looked it up, and Sampson’s salary was scheduled to go up from $1.1 mil to $1.61 mil this year (see Apr. 13, 2006 article in the “Indiana Daily Student” newspaper at idsnews.com), so Sampson IS getting a 1/2 mil dock in his pay — it wasn’t “a raise [IU] knew he wouldn’t get.”
You may be right that the NCAA doesn’t do any more than IU did in this case. But here’s a quote on Sampson in the Indy Star from a law school dean (Roberts) who has in the past testified as an expert in Congress on NCAA enforcement: “if they [the NCAA] think a coach is intentionally flouting the rules, that really sets them off.” Roberts went on to say that the case was “unprecedented. Instead of breaking a standing NCAA rule, Sampson broke restrictions imposed by the committe from a previous case.” (In other words, they’ve never had to investigate someone so stupid.) Said Roberts: “I assume it’s a major violation.”
In Sampson’s last mess-up, OU froze S’s salary for TWO years and his recruiting was curtailed (sound familiar?) In that case, the NCAA “added significantly to [OU's] self-imposed penalties” — and, perhaps, in THIS case, too. We’ll see.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Jake - “There’s a very good chance these recruits will continue the level of play we’ve come to expect.” I really hope you’re wrong. I would like to see the Illini return to the FF sometime in the next decade! When was I wrong? Talk about making no sense! You are pathetic.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:56 am
RPIC-I’m sorry, did you write something?
October 17th, 2007 at 11:11 am
Bill Arter - “Richardson & Bertrand could be the 2 best guards in the state by the time they graduate & you still don’t like them?” I’ll like ‘em when they ARE the two best guards in the state. Until then, they are woulda’s, coulda’s and shoulda’s, and if you don’t see this for any more than that you are a fool. What happens if any of these kids, drop out of school, end up on drugs, get some girl pregnant, go to jail? Do we honor the scholly or does Weber have to renege on his commitment to them? I see him as a man of integrity who would never welsch on his promise to these kids, but, as we have seen, the kids (and their families) might “reopen their recruitment”, or “reassess their situation.” When they are all All-Americans and signed on the line, then I’ll believe. Am I a skeptic, you bet. Especially when I have seen nothing in the way of B10 recruits cross our path for 2-3 years now. And all of a sudden, they’re breaking down our door to get here? Yes, I’m skeptical. I have been burned before. I have seen recruits “commit” on Sunday afternoon of their weekend visit and then when they return home, tell our coaches “they aren’t sure”, then sign with someone else. I have been there, and I’m not ready to drink the Kool-Aid just yet. Something better than .500 against non-patsies this year would go a long way.
October 17th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Marlin-I only questioned you about your opinion, I didn’t chastise you or call you names which is totally uncalled for. You have said in the past to some of us who have an opinion other than yours that we just don’t get it. How about in the future we just talk about our different opinions & not stoop to name-calling, etc.? I’ve never called you a name & I don’t appreciate being called a fool. BTW-After you called our new recruits woulda, coulda, shoulda’s, you immediately threw out your own woulda, coulda, shoulda’s. Glass houses, Marlin.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Arter-So it’s OK for you to issue wouldas, etc., but no one else? This was the same kind of nonsense you guys put forth with Jamar. Well, he might have done this or maybe that happened. And it’s OK to ridicule me by saying crap like,” Did Weber steal an old girlfriend or beat me out of some money?” Where does it begin and where does it end, pal? In my OPINION, if you see these commits (they are NOT recruits, yet) for anything other than what they are, then I will still say you are a fool. Just glasses, Bill. Take a closer look.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Arter-BTW, I believe if you reread the posts, YOU were the first to use the “coulda” mantra, as in “Richardson & Bertrand COULD BE the 2 best guards in the state by the time they graduate & you still don’t like them?” (EMPAHSIS ADDED)Clean up your glass walls, Bill.
October 18th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I know exactly what our verbals, commits, recruits, whatever you want to call them are, Marlin. They are young men who said that they want to play bb at UI. Of course there are no guarantees that come with these young men. I just like to get a little excited about it & it’s definitely your prerogative to not get pumped about it. The thing that rubs me is the name calling. I probably took a cheap shot, but you opened it up some time back when you said we “just don’t get it”, basically because we don’t share your opinion about Weber, his recruits, etc. The name calling falls in the same category. If I don’t see these recruits for anything other than what they are, which I do, then you say that I am a fool. Yet again you are saying that if someone doesn’t see something as you see it, then they are a fool, don’t get it, whatever. Everyone has differences of opinion & I don’t see the need to chastise or call names when someone’s is different than yours. It’s a real cheap way to try to stress your point of view. I will not lower myself to calling you names when you don’t share my opinion & I would appreciate the same courtesy. If you choose to continue, so be it.
October 18th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Hey people it’s a game played by college students, who won’t play basketball beyond their college days. So lets cool it and sit back and enjoy watching college kids play the game. why do you guys get so worked up about nothing you can change. If the “kid” changes his mind so be it. The sun will still come up the next day. Good luck to the Illini saturday.