South Charlotte Today

University of Colorado point guard KJ Simpson had long awaited the moment that unfolded in the final seconds of a tie game during the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. For over a year, he meticulously prepared for this opportunity. His pull-up baseline jumper narrowly cleared Florida defender Zyon Pullin's outstretched arm, bouncing off the rim multiple times before finally dropping into the basket. "It was supposed to be a swish because the way it left my hand, I was like, ‘Oh, yes.’ It rimmed out but went straight up, so I was like, ‘Oh, it’s going to drop,’" Simpson recalled.

Walter Clayton Jr.'s last-second heave nearly overshadowed Simpson’s effort but ultimately missed, securing a 102-100 victory for Colorado. This moment marked a significant climax in Simpson's basketball journey.

Three years earlier, Simpson was a top-100 high school recruit headed to the University of Arizona. However, when Arizona Head Coach Sean Miller was dismissed in April 2021, Simpson reconsidered his options and chose Colorado instead. "Before I committed to Arizona, I called every single college coach that offered me a scholarship," said Simpson. He noted that Coach Tad Boyle at Colorado remained supportive throughout his decision-making process.

Simpson learned about McKinley Wright IV's similar experience and knew current players Jabari Walker and Evan Battey from AAU circuits in Los Angeles. These connections solidified his choice to play for Colorado.

After spending his freshman year on the bench, Simpson became Colorado’s starting point guard as a sophomore until an ankle injury on New Year’s Eve disrupted his season. Following this injury came food poisoning and severe migraines that sidelined him further. Eventually diagnosed with mononucleosis after fainting in February practice, he missed the remainder of the season.

Despite plans to test NBA Draft waters post-sophomore year being thwarted by illness, Simpson returned home determined to reset his career trajectory. Complications arose when his longtime trainer moved locations and raised prices beyond Simpson's means.

Left without training support over summer 2023, he trained alone at Chaminade College Preparatory School gymnasium twice daily under rigorous self-devised routines aimed at improving muscle mass and shooting accuracy against zone defenses opponents often employed against him.

His father Kenneth Sr., mother Patricia or girlfriend frequently drove him due to lacking a driver’s license then; sometimes they stayed behind rebounding balls while other times leaving him alone with just shooting machines for company during these sessions.

Kenneth Sr observed how rejection from former trainers fueled KJ’s determination: “Maybe if you felt like my talent was worth anything you would have made some concessions… You’ve become another person counting me out.” Patricia added her son meticulously planned drills covering various positions saying “I have certain things… ten shots here there everywhere.”

Simpson reflected on those challenging months attributing faith-driven resilience towards overcoming adversities remarking "Why me?" feelings eventually transformed into motivation pushing limits ensuring mistakes were minimal amidst intense solitary workouts honing skills extensively leading up junior-year return exhibiting newfound edge culminating stellar performance averaging over initial two-month period surpassing previous benchmarks significantly across multiple metrics resulting best form life thus far alongside renewed enjoyment playing sport once again...

This past season saw continued success playing all games averaging notable statistics earning All-Pac-12 First-Team honors helping team achieve record-breaking victories including notable tournament performances subsequently getting drafted Charlotte Hornets NBA selection marked significant milestone validating efforts perseverance displayed throughout challenging periods prior reflecting upon transformative experiences shaping outlook positively towards future endeavors both professionally personally moving forward undoubtedly proving doubters wrong yet again whenever opportunities arise ahead within competitive league setting forth aspirations firmly grounded unwavering commitment excellence irrespective circumstances encountered along way demonstrating remarkable character fortitude exemplifying true sportsmanship spirit overall…

Hornets Executive Vice President Jeff Peterson commended improvements noting long conversations revealing dedication stating “We had some long conversations about how he improved… He essentially locked himself in gym until comfortable… Guards making shots off bounce more dangerous.”

Although minor hamstring injury precludes participation upcoming Summer League activities recent experiences provide ample perspective dealing setbacks suggesting underlying reasons rest recuperation necessary following extensive efforts sustained throughout demanding phases previously undergone thereby maintaining readiness tackling challenges poised emerge future contexts confidently assuredly...

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