June 2, 2020

Santa Monica, Calif. 

Santa Monica College Men's Basketball 6-9 Sophomore Center Isaiah Simpson has signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at NCAA Division I Chicago State University.  Simpson was voted to the Western State-South Conference First Team. Simpson averaged 13.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and one block per game in his lone season as a Corsair. Simpson had career-highs of 26 points, 13 rebounds (twice), five assists, three steals (three times), and three blocks (twice).

"We are excited that Isaiah is joining Chicago State University's Men's Basketball, stated Santa Monica College Head Coach Joshua Thomas."  "Chicago State Assistant Coach Rodell Davis and Head Coach Lance Irvin did a phenomenal job recruiting him. Isaiah will bring an immediate impact to their program."

Simpson led the Corsairs in total rebounds, rebounds per game, total blocks, and blocks per game in 23 games this season.

"Isaiah is an extremely talented player. He was one of the most talented players in the state of California this season," stated Thomas. "Isaiah's ability to rebound out of his area and score at all three levels were critical to our success this season. He was a match-up nightmare all season because of his diversified skill set and feel for the game."

Simpson played his freshman season at the University of South Carolina Upstate, an NCAA Division I school in 2017-2018. Simpson, a Virginia native, averaged 2.9 points and 2.5 rebounds as a true freshman and registered season-highs of 12 points and seven rebounds.

Coach Irvin, who is entering his third season as the head coach at Chicago State University, said, "Isaiah brings a great deal of size and athleticism to our roster. He is a tough player who has a versatile basketball toolbox. At 6-9, he has the ability to make strong post moves or step out and make the three-point shot. Isaiah comes from a successful program and we are looking forward to having him on our roster next season."

"Isaiah is a tremendous talent, moves deceptively fast for his size, has incredible post moves, and has the ability to stretch the floor from the three-point line. He has the ability to be a walking double-double every night," stated Santa Monica College Assistant Basketball Coach Devon Richardson. "Isaiah has been a tremendous teammate by giving maximum effort to pick up players in their time of need. I'm glad to say we've developed a lasting relationship during his time here. The sky is the limit!"

The press-release by Chicago State University Men's Basketball on Simpson's signing is listed below:

https://www.gocsucougars.com/news/2020/5/22/simpson-joins-chicago-state-mens-basketball-squad.aspx

"I just kept going. Now, I have to keep going," said Simpson.