Expectations for the Illini include Simpson

Rumblings around the Champaign-Urbana campus indicate Stan Simpson is eligible to play basketball this fall and is enrolling for the summer school session soon. The depleted Illini front line might need some help from Stan Simpson, that's for sure.

No word on where Brian Carlwell and Rodney Alexander might be headed, we'll just have to wait and see what happens this summer. Carlwell has been rumored to be headed to Lexington, and Rodney is probably looking around at this point.

I had read speculation that Calvin Brock might decide to not return to school, since he has already received his undergraduate degree. But we can expect to see Calvin return for his final year of eligibility this fall, and provide the Illini with valuable minutes with his excellent defense, rebounding and shooting.

Alex Legion is getting some valuable game experience in Poland this week, and I'll bet he's showing his shooting acumen and athleticism as well. He will be eligible to play for the Illini in December, from what I understand, and will probably become a fixture in the starting line-up.

My best guess at the Illini starting line-up once Legion is available: McCamey, Smith, Legion, Keller and Tisdale. Rotating in off the bench would be Frazier, Brock, Meacham, Jordan and Davis. Cole and Simpson will be looking to extend the rotation, or find a spot with shooting or defense. Am I forgetting anyone? I don't think so.

Video of Tyler Griffey and Stan Simpson

I recently enjoyed watching some game video of Tyler Griffey and Stan Simpson online, courtesy of wazoosports.com. The videos are complete game videos from December 2007, with Tyler Griffey going up against Scotty Hopson, who is headed to Tennessee (warning, Bruce Pearl is shown in stands). The Simeon game features Stan Simpson (number 32) going up against Lexington Catholic. Griffey is a good fundamental player who really has some inside game, and can shoot it from the outside. Simpson is an inside player who can score inside and block shots. Excellent games to watch of some future Illini players.

Stan Simpson with Triple Double against Leo

Class of 2008 recruit Stan Simpson is showing he is a force in his senior year, with a triple double against his former team Leo. Stan had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 11 blocks to lead Simeon over Leo in the Englewood Sectional final. Story

Stan Simpson elevating his game

Stan Simpson had an outstanding game against Bloomington recently, with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Simeon coach Robert Smith likes his development, which was recently aided by a workout with former Simeon star Tim Flowers, who was home on break from Wisconsin Milwaukee. Story

Stan Simpson has committed to Illinois and will enroll in Champaign in the fall of 2008.

Stan Simpson makes Chicago "All-Metro Team" for Sporting News

The Sporting News has its College Basketball preseason magazine out, and as part of the production, they name the top players in all of the large metropolitan areas, including Chicago. The "All-Metro" Team for Chicago is:

Michael Dunigan, Sr. Farragut
Ryan Hare, Sr. Marshall
Matt Humphrey, Sr, Hales Franciscan
Iman Shumpert, Sr, Oak Park-River Forest
Stan Simpson, Sr, Simeon

Congrats to Stan on being included in this great group of high school players in the Chicago area.

Stan Simpson to join Illini Basketball

As expected here, Stan Simpson committed to Illinois basketball today, representing the first player recruited for the 2008 class. Now that he's an Illini, some background on Stan Simpson:

-Height is 6-10
-Weight is 220
-High School ball at Chicago Leo and Simeon
-Rated 3 stars by Rivals and Scout
-AAU team is Illinois Warriors
-Plays well with back to the basket
-Started playing basketball in high school, rapidly improving player
-Had offers from Arkansas, DePaul, Indiana and Virginia

Stan, welcome to Illini basketball, we are excited to have you for the class of 2008!


Scout Profile

Illinois Prep Bulls-eye

Rivals Summary

Sun-Times Article

Videos on the Web

The News-Gazette