Oregon lands commitment from former Elon Guard Takai Simpkins

On Wednesday evening, Oregon dipped into the portal for the second time this cycle, landing former Elon guard Takai “TK” Simpkins. I had received word that Simpkins would be visiting, and that was only on Monday, meaning this was a portal target that the Ducks really pushed for.

Simpkins spent the last two seasons at Elon where he started 49 of the 56 games he played in. This past season was his best season, playing in 29.9 minutes per game. Takai’s averages for this season were 16.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, 0.3bpg, 2.5 turnovers, and 1.6 fouls per game. Simpkins improved all of his shooting splits this past season compared to the season prior, shooting 42.3% from the field, 36.7% from 3-point range, and 75.6% from the charity stripe.

The 6’4 184-pound Brooklyn, NY native had a 29.9% usage rate with the Phoenix, an offensive rating of 112.0, and a defensive rating of 109.0. TK also had decent true shooting and effective field goal percentages at 55.5%, and 50.7%, respectfully.

With another guard now in the fold, Oregon’s lineup may shift a bit. I believe that the following could be something like what the rotation would look like following this commitment.

G Jackson Shelstad

G TK Simpkins (Elon)

F Devon Pryor (Texas)

F Kwame Evans Jr

C Nate Bittle

I do believe that the Ducks could also explore the idea of 3-guards in the starting rotation, like they did with Keeshawn Barthelemy playing over Jadrian Tracey. That would insert Jamari Phillips in likely at the 3, with Simpkins at the 2.

By my count, Oregon is back up to 12 spots allocated on the roster, with uncertainty surrounding Andre Warren’s status with the team. Luke Johnson and Drew Carter will likely be back, as will Oleksandr “Sasha” Kobzystyi.

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