Recruiting Wrap

Illini like Champaign prospect Jay Simpson

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:01 AM

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Jay Simpson didn't have to travel very far for his most recent visit to a college. The Champaign Central sophomore, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward, attended the Illinois football season opener two weeks ago to become better acquainted with the Illini athletics program.

Though he's played just one year of high school basketball, Simpson has already attracted several high-major programs. He also participated in Purdue's elite camp this summer.

"There's no shortage of schools looking for kids 6-7, 6-8 that can play," said Illinois Wolves director Mike Mullins, Simpson's AAU coach.

"He's got a body that you can see potential down the road. He's a big strong kid who's light on his feet. The part that separates him at such a young age is the he's very, very skilled. He can handle, pass and shoot and play an inside-out game at 6-7, 215. He did very well at the Purdue elite camp."

Mullins said Simpson's combination of size and skill at an early age is what has attracted college programs to the Class of 2012 prospect.

"He's a kid that projects and has the look of a high-major player," Mullins said. "He had a very good spring and summer for us. Hopefully that continues through his high school season. Everybody's looking for size right away. When you're big and you can display some skills to go along with that at an early age, it makes people take notice."

Mullins said Simpson's skillset is unlike any player he's had in his prestigious program.

"He's kind of a unique in that regard," Mullins said. "We want him to focus on having a nice mix of inside and outside. He could be enamored with one or the other. You don't want him just to be a power player or you don't want him just to be out at the perimeter. That's an ongoing maturity process with him. He's got very good form on his shot. He has very good handles. Like I said, he passes the ball very well. He has good floor vision, and he's very unselfish which is rare when you have a kid that's that talented that young."

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