Rutgers Announces the Signings of Derek Simpson and Antwone Woolfolk to the 2022 Men’s Basketball Class
Nov 10 | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Head Coach Steve Pikiell and the Rutgers basketball program have announced the signings of two commitments to the 2022 class on Thursday.
Guard Derek Simpson (6-3, 170-pounds) from Mount Laurel, N.J. and forward Antwone Woolfolk (6-9, 250-pounds) from Cleveland, Ohio have signed their letters of commitment to join the Rutgers basketball family.
Simpson is a local product that played competitive in AAU basketball for the South Jersey Titans. He averaged a team-high 20.6 points-per-game and 4.9 assists-per-game for Lenape High School. Simpson is the son of Ron Simpson, who played three seasons at Rider University and scored over 1,700 points in his career with the Broncs.
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— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) November 10, 2021
Please help us welcome @derek_simp to the #RFamily ???? pic.twitter.com/WOdC0C0rbI
Simpson was recognized with several accolades in his home state of New Jersey and Burlington County after his stellar performance last season. He was a member of the All-State Third Team, the 2021 Burlington County All-County Team and was named the 2021 Burlington County Player of the Year.
One of New Jersey’s premiere prospects, Simpson eclipsed 1,000 points for Lenape last season and will look to solidify the future of Pikiell’s backcourt.
“We are really excited to welcome Derek Simpson to our Rutgers family,” Pikiell said. “Derek is a dynamic point guard from the great state of New Jersey. People are going to be really excited about what he brings. He can really shoot the basketball, he has a great understanding of the game and he’s very competitive. He’s another young man from a great family and a great basketball program at Lenape High School.”
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— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) November 11, 2021
Please welcome @AntwoneWoolfol1 He is now a part of the Rutgers Family. #RFamily #GardenStatement ???? pic.twitter.com/c0LNjRmgJo
Woolfolk is an exciting basketball prospect that also received offers to play college football at tight end. The multi-sport athlete from Brush, Ohio has the frame to play the forward position at a Big Ten level. His imposing size and his under-the-radar potential make him a key part of Pikiell’s 2022 class.
The Rutgers men’s basketball program believes that Woolfolk’s best basketball is ahead of him. Pikiell and his staff have a vision for Woolfolk to be a front court player of the future for the Scarlet Knights.
“Antwone Woolfolk will bring energy, excitement and a physicality here to Rutgers,” Pikiell said. “He’s a two-sport athlete, a great student and another great young man with a tremendous upside. He has an ability to score around the basketball with some terrific ball-handling and passing skills. I think he has a chance to be a very special front court player for Rutgers nation.”
Pikiell and the Rutgers men’s basketball team kick off the 2021-22 season against Lehigh University on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
Congratulations to Derek Simpson and his family as he officially signs with Rutgers today! #GoTribe ?? @RutgersMBB @derek_simp pic.twitter.com/fS1Uj4Yt0n
— Lenape Basketball (@LenapeHoops) November 10, 2021
