Zavier Simpson
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1997)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Zavier Simpson
| image = Zavier Simpson UM (cropped) 2.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Simpson with the Michigan Wolverines in 2020
| position = Point guard
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 190
| league = LNBM
| team = U-BT Cluj-Napoca
| number = 3
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|2|11}}
| birth_place = Lima, Ohio, U.S.
| high_school = Lima Senior (Lima, Ohio)
| college = Michigan (2016–2020)
| draft_year = 2020
| career_start = 2021
| career_end =
| years1 = 2021–2022
| team1 = Oklahoma City Blue
| years2 = {{nbay|2021|end}}
| team2 = Oklahoma City Thunder
| years3 = 2022–2023
| team3 = Lakeland Magic
| years4 = 2023
| team4 = Grises de Humacao
| years5 = 2023–2024
| team5 = Motor City Cruise
| years6 = {{nbay|2023|end}}
| team6 = Memphis Grizzlies
| years7 = 2024–present
| team7 = U-BT Cluj-Napoca
| highlights = * All-EuroCup Second Team (2025)
- EuroCup assists leader (2025)
- NBA G League Next Up Game (2023)
- 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2019, 2020)
- Big Ten All-Defensive team (2019)
- Ohio Mr. Basketball (2016)
}}
Zavier Marquis Simpson (born February 11, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for U-BT Cluj-Napoca of the Liga Națională de Baschet Masculin (LNBM) and the Romanian Cup. He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines.
Simpson attended Lima Senior High School where he won the 2016 Ohio Mr. Basketball as a senior. Simpson won 2014 Ohio Division III state championship as a sophomore for Lima Central Catholic High School before transferring to Lima Senior High School the following school year. He was part of the 2017–18 team that reached the Championship Game of the 2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. Simpson was a member of 2017 and 2018 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament champions during his first two seasons. He had many of his best games against top-10 opponents as a sophomore. As a junior, he was a 2019 Second team All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten All-Defensive team honoree and earned the nickname "Captain Hook" for his unusual skill at shooting hook shots. As a senior, he was a 2020 Second team All-Big Ten selection. As a junior he set the current Big Ten men's basketball tournament single-tournament assists record (30) and led the Big Ten Conference in assists as a senior (7.9).
Early life and high school career
Simpson was born on February 11, 1997, in Lima, Ohio to Bobbie Carter and Quincey Simpson.{{cite web|title=3 Zavier Simpson|url=http://mgoblue.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=15227|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 13, 2018}} He had served as a ball boy for Lima Senior High School since second grade when his father was an assistant coach for the Lima Senior team.{{cite web|title=Lima Senior point guard Xavier Simpson is 2016 Ohio Mr. Basketball|url=http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/7596885963645942675/lima-senior-point-guard-xavier-simpson-is-2016-ohio-mr-basketball/|website=Cleveland.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=March 14, 2018}} On December 15, 2015, Simpson broke two-time Ohio Mr. Basketball Greg Simpson's Lima Senior High School single-game scoring record by posting 59 points against Fremont Ross High School; Greg Simpson was a cousin who grew up with Zavier's father.{{cite web|first=Brendan F.|last=Quinn|title=Michigan signee Xavier Simpson pours in 59 points, leaves even his father impressed|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/12/xavier_simpson_59.html|website=MLive.com|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2018}} On February 2, Simpson posted 65 points against Fremont Ross.{{cite web|first=Tony|last=Paul|title=UM commit Xavier Simpson scores 65 in victory|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2016/02/03/um-commit-xavier-simpson-scores-victory/79753642/|work=Detroit News|date=February 3, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2018}}
Simpson played his freshman and sophomore seasons for Lima Central Catholic High School before transferring to Lima Senior when his father became head coach there before his junior season.{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Naveau|title=Lima Senior's Simpson named Ohio's Mr. Basketball|url=http://www.limaohio.com/sports/171392/lima-seniors-simpson-named-ohios-mr-basketball|website=LimaOhio.com|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174238/http://www.limaohio.com/sports/171392/lima-seniors-simpson-named-ohios-mr-basketball|url-status=dead}} Simpson earned the 2014 Ohio Division III state championship as a sophomore and the 2015 Ohio Associated Press Division I Player of the Year as a junior.{{cite web|title=2014–15 Associated Press All-Ohio|url=http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/bk/boys/2015/2015AllOhioTeams.pdf|website=OHSAA.org|publisher=Ohio High School Athletic Association|access-date=November 12, 2015}}{{cite web|first=Laura|last=LaFountain|title=AP Class B boys basketball All-State team announced|url=http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/7175560390012017674/ap-class-b-boys-basketball-all-state-team-announced/|website=MLive.com|date=March 27, 2015|access-date=November 12, 2015}} Simpson was named 2016 Ohio Mr. Basketball by the Associated Press.{{cite web|first=Brendan F.|last=Quinn|title=Future Wolverine Zavier Simpson named 2016 Ohio Mr. Basketball|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2016/03/future_wolverine_xavier_simpso.html|website=MLive.com|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2016}} Simpson's Lima Senior High School was undefeated until losing in the OHSAA Division I championship game to Westerville South High School, finishing the season 29–1.{{cite web|title=Boys basketball: Westerville South beats Lima Senior for Division I title|url=http://thecourier.com/local-sports/2016/03/21/boys-basketball-westerville-south-beats-lima-senior-for-division-i-title/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322193156/http://thecourier.com/local-sports/2016/03/21/boys-basketball-westerville-south-beats-lima-senior-for-division-i-title/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 22, 2016|work=The Courier|date=March 21, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2016}} Simpson also earned the Ohio Boys Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year honor.{{cite web|title=Ohio Boys Basketball POY: Xavier Simpson|url=http://usatodayhss.com/2016/gatorade-ohio-boys-basketball-poy-xavier-simpson|work=USA Today|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2016}}
=Recruiting=
On September 9, 2015, Zavier Simpson committed to playing college basketball for Michigan. By the end of his high school career, he was ranked as the No. 49 player and No. 12 point guard by ESPN, No. 57 player and No. 12 point guard by Scout, No. 65 player and No. 19 point guard by Rivals, and No. 93 player and No. 17 point guard by 247Sports.{{cite web|first=Reggie|last=Rankin|title=Scout's Take: ESPN 100 PG Xavier Simpson to Michigan|url=https://insider.espn.com/blog/ncbrecruiting/on-the-trail/post/_/id/14471/scouts-take-espn-100-pg-xavier-simpson-to-michigan|website=ESPN.go.com|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=September 10, 2015}}{{cite web|first=Brendan F.|last=Quinn|title=Top-100 PG Xavier Simpson commits to Michigan, becomes fourth 2016 pledge|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/09/xavier_simpson.html|website=MLive.com|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=September 10, 2015}} Austin Davis, Ibi Watson, Jon Teske and Simpson all signed their National Letters of Intent on November 11, 2015.{{cite web|title=Michigan Inks Four Recruits During Early Signing Period|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111115aaa.html|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 12, 2015|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113214228/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111115aaa.html|url-status=dead}} Michigan recruits Simpson, Watson and Teske were all named to the 2015–16 Associated Press Ohio High School Division I Boys Basketball All-State 1st Team.{{cite web|title=AP releases Division I boys basketball all-state teams|url=http://www.wkyc.com/sports/high-school/ap-releases-division-i-boys-basketball-all-state-teams/85661774°website=WKYC.com|publisher=WKYC|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} ESPN's Jeff Borzello named Simpson as one of the top 25 entering freshman in the 2016–17 class on April 6, 2016.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Borzello|title=Ranking college basketball's top 25 freshmen for 2016–17|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/15141642/first-look-top-25-freshmen-2016-17-college-basketball-season|website=ESPN.go.com|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=April 7, 2016}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2016}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Zavier Simpson
| position = PG
| hometown = Lima, OH
| highschool = Lima Senior (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 0
| weight = 175
| 40 =
| commitdate = September 9, 2016
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| 247 stars = 4
| espn stars = 4
| espn grade = 86
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| year = 2016
| rivals ref title = Michigan 2016 Basketball Commitments
| espn ref title = 2016 Michigan Wolverines Recruiting Class
| rivals school = michigan
| espn schoolid = 130
| scout overall = 57
| 247 overall = 93
| rivals overall = 65
| espn overall = 49
| access-date = October 13, 2020
| bball = yes
}}
College career
=Freshman season=
File:20170301 NW-UM Xavier Simpson setting the O.jpg
As a freshman, Simpson was part of a 2016–17 Michigan Wolverines team that won the 2017 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament.{{cite web|title=Michigan shocks Wisconsin 71-56 to win Big Ten tournament|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400946284|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 12, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Champions! Michigan Grabs Big Ten tournament Title|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031217aaa.html|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 12, 2017|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=March 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125353/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031217aaa.html|url-status=dead}} The Wolverines reached the sweet sixteen round of the 2017 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.{{cite web|title=Michigan's Magic Ends with One-Point Loss to Ducks|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032317aaa.html|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 23, 2017|access-date=March 24, 2017|archive-date=March 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324174057/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032317aaa.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Michigan get last shot but fall short to Elite 8-bound Oregon|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400947325|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 24, 2017|access-date=April 4, 2017}} After averaging 1.6 points and 8.7 minutes as a freshman, Simpson changed the spelling of his name prior to his sophomore season from Xavier to Zavier.{{cite web|first=Austin|last=Fox|title=Michigan Basketball: Xavier Simpson Is Now "Zavier" Simpson|url=https://michigan.rivals.com/news/michigan-basketball-xavier-simpson-is-now-zavier-simpson|website=Rivals.com|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2018}}
=Sophomore season=
{{multiple image
|align=right|total_width=300|caption_align=|image1=20180206 UM-NW Zavier Simpson 7DM26621.jpg|alt1=|image2=20180206 UM-NW Zavier Simpson 7DM26546.jpg|alt2=|footer_align=|footer=Simpson for the 2017–18 Wolverines}}
As a sophomore for the 2017–18 Wolverines, Simpson posted his career high 16 points in contest against top 5 rated opponents:{{cite web|title=Zavier Simpson|url=http://mgoblue.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=15227|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 13, 2018}} On January 13, 2018, Michigan won their rivalry game against (#4 AP Poll/#4 Coaches Poll) Michigan State 82–72. Simpson tallied 16 points in Michigan's first road victory against a top-five ranked team since defeating (#3 AP Poll/#3 Coaches Poll) Michigan State on January 25, 2014;{{cite web|title=Wagner scores 27, Michigan beats No. 4 Michigan State 82-72|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400986504|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 13, 2018|access-date=January 13, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Grab Rivalry Road Win Over No. 4 Spartans|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/news/2018/1/13/mens-basketball-wolverines-grab-rivalry-road-win-over-no-4-spartans.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 13, 2018|access-date=January 13, 2018}} On January 25, 2018, Michigan lost to (#3 AP Poll/#3 Coaches Poll) Purdue 88–92 despite 16 points from Simpson.{{cite web|title=No. 3 Purdue holds off Michigan 92-88 for 16th straight win|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400986530|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 25, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Fall Short of Comeback in Top-25 Matchup at Purdue|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/1/25/mens-basketball-wolverines-fall-short-of-comeback-in-top-25-matchup-at-purdue.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 25, 2018}} In two of his other top-5 games, Simpson had 15-point games against both (#5 AP Poll/#7 Coaches Poll) Purdue on January 9, 2018.{{cite web|title=Haas' free throw gives No. 5 Purdue 70-69 win over Michigan|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400986497|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Rally, but Fall to No. 5 Boilermakers in Final Seconds|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/news/2018/1/9/mens-basketball-wolverines-rally-but-fall-to-no-5-boilermakers-in-final-seconds.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018}} and (#2 AP Poll/#2 Coaches Poll) Michigan State on March 3, 2018.{{cite web|title=Michigan ends top-seeded Spartans' 13-game winning streak|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401020040|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Down Spartans, Advance to B1G Tournament Final|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/3/3/mens-basketball-downs-spartans-advances-to-b1g-tournament-final.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Postgame Notes: Michigan-Michigan State|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030318aad.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304113247/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030318aad.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2018|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018}} Although Simpson averaged just 7.3 points per game for the season, in his other games against top-10 opponents he posted double digits: 13 points against (#8 AP Poll/#9 Coaches Poll) Ohio State in Michigan's final home game of the regular season on the February 18, 2018,{{cite web|title=No. 22 Michigan tops No. 8 Ohio St 74-62, helps other rival|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400986575|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Upset No. 8 Buckeyes in Home Season Finale|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/2/18/mens-basketball-wolverines-upset-no-8-buckeyes-in-home-season-finale.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}} 10 points on March 4, as Michigan defeated (#8 AP Poll/#8 Coaches Poll) Purdue 75–66,{{cite web|title=Michigan beats Purdue to win 2nd straight Big Ten tournament|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401020042|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 4, 2018|access-date=March 4, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Back-to-Back: Wagner, Teske Power Michigan to Second Straight B1G Tournament Title|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/3/4/mens-basketball-back-to-back-wagner-teske-power-michigan-to-second-straight-b1g-tournament-title.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 4, 2018|access-date=March 4, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Postgame Notes: Michigan-Purdue|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030418aab.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305142711/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030418aab.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2018|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 4, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2018}} and 10 points in the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game loss to (#2 Coaches Poll/#2 AP Poll) Villanova.
The March 4 victory over Purdue gave Michigan its second consecutive Big Ten tournament championship since the game was the championship game of the 2018 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament. Simpson averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 35 minutes per game for Michigan in its four-game tournament run.{{cite web|title=2018 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Statistics|url=http://www.bigten.org/library/stats/mbb-tournament.pdf|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 4, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305061946/http://www.bigten.org/library/stats/mbb-tournament.pdf|archive-date=March 5, 2018}} On March 22, Michigan defeated Texas A&M 99–72 in the regional semifinals of the 2018 NCAA tournament. Simpson posted a career-high six steals as part of a stat line that included 11 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.{{cite web|title=Streaking Michigan routs Texas A&M 99-72 in West semifinals|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401025875|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 22, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Michigan Proves Elite in 27-Point Win over Texas A&M|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/3/22/mens-basketball-michigan-proves-elite-in-27-point-win-over-texas-am.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 22, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2018}} In the first four games of the tournament, Simpson posted averages of 7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.8 steals to help Michigan reach the Final Four.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Two Streaks Collide: Wolverines to Face Ramblers in NCAA Semifinal|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/3/26/mens-basketball-two-streaks-collide-wolverines-to-face-ramblers-in-ncaa-semifinal.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 26, 2018|access-date=March 29, 2018}} The team lost in the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game to (#2 Coaches Poll/#2 AP Poll) Villanova.{{cite web|title=Villanova takes title, 79-62 over Michigan behind DiVincenzo|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401025888|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=April 3, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Michigan Comes Up Short Against Villanova in National Championship Game|url=http://mgoblue.com/news/2018/4/2/mens-basketball-michigan-comes-up-short-against-villanova-in-national-championship-game.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=April 2, 2018|access-date=April 3, 2018}} Since the team reached the championship games of both the Big Ten tournament and the NCAA Tournament, Simpson shares the Michigan (and NCAA) single-season games played record (41) with teammates Duncan Robinson, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Teske and Charles Matthews.{{cite web|url=https://mgoblue.com/documents/2016/10/12/bkm_records_all_time.pdf|title=Michigan Basketball History & Records (Section 01 {{!}} All-Time Records)|accessdate=May 7, 2022|publisher=Board of Regents of the University of Michigan}} Members of the 2010–11 Connecticut Huskies also played 41 games (an NCAA record).{{cite web|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2022/D1.pdf|title=2021-22 DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS|accessdate=May 8, 2022|publisher=NCAA.org}}
=Junior season=
File:20181204 Zavier Simpson at UM-NW game (8).jpg for the 2018–19 team as a junior, Simpson earned the nickname "Captain Hook" for making use of the hook shot.]]
{{Michigan200AssistClub}}
On November 17, 2018, Simpson posted 14 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, to help Michigan defeat George Washington 84–61.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082448|title=Michigan 84, George Washington 61|access-date=November 18, 2018|date=November 17, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Poole's Career High, Simpson's Double-Double Help U-M Past Colonials|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2018/11/17/mens-basketball-pooles-career-high-simpsons-double-double-help-u-m-past-colonials.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 17, 2018|access-date=November 18, 2018}} On December 30, Michigan defeated Binghamton 74–52. Simpson posted a career-high 10 assists, and one rebound shy of a double-double.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082457|title=No. 2 Michigan pulls away for 74-52 win over Binghamton|access-date=December 30, 2018|date=December 30, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Strong Second Half Leads U-M Past Binghamton, to 13th Straight Win|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2018/12/30/mens-basketball-strong-second-half-leads-u-m-past-binghamton-to-13th-straight-win.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=December 30, 2018|access-date=December 30, 2018}} On January 10, Michigan defeated Illinois 79–69. Michigan was led by Simpson with a season-high 16 points and improved to 16–0 on the season, matching the school's best start to a season.{{cite web|title=No. 2 Michigan beats Illinois 79-69 to improve to 16-0|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082346|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=January 10, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Simpson's Season-High 16 Leads U-M to 16-0, Tie for Program-Best Start|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/1/10/mens-basketball-simpsons-season-high-16-leads-u-m-to-16-0-tie-for-program-best-start.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=January 10, 2019}} On January 13, Michigan defeated Northwestern to establish a school record for best start at 17–0 and tied the school's record 17-game win streak on the strength of a career-high 24-point effort by Simpson.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082459|title=No. 2 Michigan now 17-0 after 80-60 win over Northwestern|access-date=January 14, 2019|date=January 13, 2019|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Career Nights from Simpson, Teske Spark U-M to Victory, Program-Best 17-0 Start|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/1/13/mens-basketball-career-nights-from-simpson-teske-spark-u-m-to-victory-program-best-17-0-start.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 13, 2019|access-date=January 14, 2019}} On January 19, Simpson posted 10 points and 11 rebounds, for his second career double-double in a loss to Wisconsin.{{cite web|title=Ethan Happ, Badgres knock No. 2 Michigan from ranks of unbeaten, 64-54|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082460|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 19, 2019|access-date=January 19, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Suffer First Loss of Season at Wisconsin|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/1/19/mens-basketball-wolverines-suffer-first-loss-of-season-at-wisconsin.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 19, 2019|access-date=January 19, 2019}} On January 22, Simpson was one of four Big Ten athletes named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award Top 15 midseason watchlist.{{cite web|title=Midseason List Released with Players to Watch for the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award Presented by Bona|url=http://naismithtrophy.com/midseason-list-released-with-players-to-watch-for-the-2019-naismith-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-presented-by-bona/|website=NaismithTrophy.com|publisher=Atlanta Tipoff Club|date=January 22, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019}} On January 29 against Ohio State, Simpson posted 11 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 12 assists, becoming the sixth player in Michigan program history to record a triple-double. The game marked Simpson's 100th career game with Michigan, becoming the 70th Wolverine to the reach the milestone. Simpson recorded his 300th career assist, becoming the 15th Wolverine to surpass the milestone.{{cite web|title=Simpson's triple-double lifts No. 5 Michigan over Ohio State|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082462|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Big 3: Simpson's Triple-Double Powers U-M to Win Over Ohio State|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/1/29/mens-basketball-big-3-simpsons-triple-double-powers-u-m-to-win-over-ohio-state.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019}} On March 3, Simpson posted 12 points and 10 assists, for his third double-double of the season in a win against (#17/#20) Maryland.{{cite web|title=Brazdeikis carries 9 Michigan past No. 17 Maryland 69-62|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082444|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Michigan Holds On for Road Victory at No. 17 Maryland|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/3/3/mens-basketball-michigan-holds-on-for-road-victory-at-no-17-maryland.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019}} Following the season, he was a 2019 Second team All-Big Ten selection (coaches and media) and a Big Ten All-Defensive Team honoree.{{cite web|title=Big Ten Unveils Men's Basketball Postseason Honors on BTN|url=https://bigten.org/news/2019/3/11/big-ten-unveils-mens-basketball-postseason-honors-on-btn.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091011/https://bigten.org/news/2019/3/11/big-ten-unveils-mens-basketball-postseason-honors-on-btn.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 27, 2019|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 11, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Brazdeikis Top Big Ten Freshman, Joins Simpson on All-B1G Second Team|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/3/11/mens-basketball-brazdeikis-top-big-ten-freshman-joins-simpson-as-all-b1g-second-teamers.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 11, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2019}} On March 12, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association named Simpson to its 2012–13 Men's All-District V (OH, IN, IL, MI, MN, WI) Team, based upon voting from its national membership.{{cite web|title=USBWA Names 2018–19 Men's All-District Teams|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2019/alldistrict190312.html|website=SportsWriters.net|publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association|date=March 12, 2019|access-date=April 4, 2019}} He was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division I All-District 7 second team on March 21, as selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC, making him eligible for the 2019 NABC Coaches' Division I All-America team.{{cite web|title=NABC Division I All-District Team Announced|url=http://nabc.com/nabc_releases/2019/di_all_district|website=NABC.com|publisher=National Association of Basketball Coaches|date=March 21, 2019|access-date=April 4, 2019}} Over the course of his junior season, he served as captain and - unusually for a guard - developed a reliable hook shot, earning the nickname "Captain Hook".{{cite web|first=James|last=Hawkins|title=Michigan's Zavier Simpson gives new meaning to 'Captain Hook'|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2019/03/04/michigan-wolverines-zavier-simpson-gives-new-meaning-captain-hook/3054267002/|work=Detroit News|date=March 4, 2019|access-date=March 15, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Ricky|last=O'Donnell|title=Zavier Simpson's inexplicable hook has made him a college basketball cult hero at Michigan|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2019/3/5/18250624/zavier-simpson-hook-shot-michigan-basketball-big-ten-maryland-video-stats|website=SBNation.com|publisher=SB Nation|date=March 5, 2019|access-date=March 15, 2019}}
File:20181204 Zavier Simpson at UM-NW game (13).jpg]]
On March 15, Michigan opened its 2019 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament play with a 74–53 victory over Iowa in the quarterfinals. Simpson posted 10 points and 11 assists for his fourth career double-double.{{cite web|title=Simpson directs No. 10 Michigan to 74-53 win over Iowa|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401120736|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 16, 2019|access-date=March 16, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Megan|last=McIntosh|title=Michigan Fires on All Cylinders in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal Win Over Iowa|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/3/15/mens-basketball-michigan-fires-on-all-cylinders-in-big-ten-tournament-quarterfinal-win-over-iowa.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 16, 2019|access-date=March 16, 2019}} The next day Simpson posted 15 points and nine assists in a 76–49 victory over Minnesota, helping Michigan advance to the Big Ten tournament final for the third consecutive season.{{cite web|title=Livers scores 21, No. 10 Michigan pounds Minnesota 76-49|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401120738|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 16, 2019|access-date=March 16, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Dominate Gophers, Advance to Big Ten tournament Title Game|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/3/16/mens-basketball-wolverines-dominate-gophers-advance-to-big-ten-tournament-title-game.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 16, 2019|access-date=March 16, 2019}} With his nine assists in the game, Simpson became the 10th Wolverine in program history to surpass 400 career assists.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Face Spartans for Big Ten tournament Title in Chicago|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/3/17/mens-basketball-wolverines-face-spartans-for-big-ten-tournament-title-in-chicago.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 17, 2019|access-date=March 17, 2019}} On March 17 in the championship game, Simpson posted six points and ten assists in a 60–65 loss to Michigan State. Simpson finished the tournament with a tournament-record 30 assists in three games, surpassing the previous record of 29 assists set by Mateen Cleaves in 1999, and was subsequently named to the All-Tournament Team.{{cite web|title=2019 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Game 13 Game Notes|url=https://bigten.org/documents/2019/3/17//MSU_Michigan_notes.pdf?id=6394|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321211016/https://bigten.org/documents/2019/3/17//MSU_Michigan_notes.pdf?id=6394|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 21, 2019|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 17, 2019|access-date=March 18, 2019}} He achieved the 30 assists while only making two turnovers.{{cite web|title=2019 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Statistics|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/big10files/2018-19/mbb-tournament.pdf|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 17, 2019|access-date=March 19, 2019}} On March 21, Simpson posted four points and ten assists in a 74–55 victory over Montana in the first round of the 2019 NCAA tournament. With his 10 assists in the game, Simpson set a single-season program record for the most games with 10 or more assists in a season with eight games.{{cite web|title=Matthews' double-double leads Michigan past Grizzlies, 74-53|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401123405|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 22, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Michigan Marches on After Rolling Past Montana in NCAA Tournament|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/3/21/mens-basketball-michigan-marches-on-after-rolling-past-montana-in-ncaa-tournament.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 22, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2019}} For the season, he led Michigan in minute played 33.9/game and led the Big Ten in Assist:Turnover ratio (3.3).{{cite web|title=Big Ten Men's Basketball Statistics|url=https://bigten.org/confstats.aspx/2018-19/mbb/confldrs#indiv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408052147/https://bigten.org/confstats.aspx/2018-19/mbb/confldrs#indiv|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 8, 2023|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=June 24, 2019}}
=Senior season=
Prior to the season Simpson was named to the 10-man preseason All-Big Ten team.{{cite web|title=Big Ten Men's Basketball 2019-20 Preseason Honors Announced|url=https://bigten.org/news/2019/10/1/big-ten-mens-basketball-2019-20-preseason-honors-announced.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102171726/https://bigten.org/news/2019/10/1/big-ten-mens-basketball-2019-20-preseason-honors-announced.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 2, 2019|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 2, 2019|access-date=November 2, 2019}} He was also named to the preseason Cousy Award 20-man watchlist.{{cite web|title=2019-20 Men's Basketball National Preseason Honors|url=https://bigten.org/news/2019/10/15/2019-20-mens-basketball-national-preseason-honors.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102171726/https://bigten.org/news/2019/10/15/2019-20-mens-basketball-national-preseason-honors.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 2, 2019|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 18, 2019|access-date=November 2, 2019}} The team began the season unranked but receiving votes in the national polls.{{cite web|title=Big Ten In The Preseason Men's Basketball Polls|url=https://bigten.org/news/2019/10/24/big-ten-in-the-preseason-mens-basketball-polls.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102172510/https://bigten.org/news/2019/10/24/big-ten-in-the-preseason-mens-basketball-polls.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 2, 2019|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=November 2, 2019}} On November 22, Michigan defeated Houston Baptist 111–68 as Simpson posted 22 points and 14 assists, both career-highs, for his fifth career double-double (first with 20 points). The 14 single-game assists tied a pair of 1987 games by Gary Grant for second in school history behind Derrick Walton's 15-assist game set in 2017. Michigan's 111 points were the most points scored in a game since a 112–64 victory over Indiana in 1998.{{cite web|title=Livers scores 24, Michigan routs Houston Baptist, 111-68|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166090|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=November 22, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Simpson's Career Night Leads Michigan to Rout of Houston Baptist|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/11/22/mens-basketball-simpsons-career-night-leads-michigan-to-rout-of-houston-baptist.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=November 22, 2019}} On December 3, in a 43–58 loss to Louisville during the ACC–Big Ten Challenge, Simpson posted three assists in the game, becoming the fourth Wolverine in program history to surpass 500 career assists.{{cite web|title=No. 1 Louisville tops No. 4 Michigan 58-43 in Challenge|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401168235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204125601/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401168235|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=December 3, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Wolverines Fall at No. 1 Louisville in Big Ten/ACC Challenge|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/12/3/mens-basketball-wolverines-fall-at-no-1-louisville-in-big-ten-acc-challenge.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=December 3, 2019}} He was named to the midseason watchlist for the Wooden Award.{{cite news|title=Gonzaga's Filip Petrusev among new faces on Wooden Award midseason list|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28448986/gonzaga-filip-petrusev-new-faces-wooden-award-midseason-list|website=ESPN.com|date=January 8, 2020|access-date=January 10, 2020}} On January 17, with six assists in the game, Simpson moved into second place on Michigan's all-time assists list with 579.{{cite web|title=Garza scores 33, Iowa surprises No. 19 Michigan 90-83|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166173|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 17, 2020|access-date=January 18, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Michigan Suffers Road Setback at Iowa|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/1/17/mens-basketball-michigan-suffers-road-setback-at-iowa.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 17, 2020|access-date=January 18, 2020}}
File:Zavier Simpson Nate Reuvers (cropped).jpg]]
On January 26 at 3:03 AM, Simpson was the driver of Michigan Athletic director Warde Manuel's family vehicle when it made contact with a street sign and a utility pole, and gave a false name to the police regarding his involvement at the scene of the crash.{{cite news|title=Report: Michigan's Zavier Simpson crashed car belonging to AD's family|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28650276/report-michigan-zavier-simpson-crashed-car-belonging-ad-family|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 6, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020}} Simpson was suspended one game for missing team curfew on January 27, causing him to miss the January 28 game against Nebraska.{{cite web|first=Samuel|last=Dodge|title=Here's why police didn't breath test Zavier Simpson after crash|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2020/02/heres-why-police-didnt-breath-test-zavier-simpson-after-crash.html|website=MLive.com|date=February 7, 2020|access-date=February 9, 2020}}{{cite news|title=Michigan suspends PG Zavier Simpson for undisclosed violation|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28576618/michigan-suspends-pg-zavier-simpson-undisclosed-violation|website=ESPN.com|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=January 27, 2020}} This was the first game he missed in his career, snapping his streak of 135 consecutive games played.{{cite web|first=Austin|last=Fox|title=Simpson's 135-Game Streak Ends, Can Still Set Record For Most Appearances|url=https://michigan.rivals.com/news/simpson-s-135-game-streak-ends-can-still-set-record-for-most-appearances|website=Rivals.com|date=January 28, 2020|access-date=February 9, 2020}}{{cite news|title=Michigan ends losing streak with 79-68 win over Nebraska|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166194|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 30, 2020|access-date=January 30, 2020}} He was reinstated on January 31.{{cite news|title=Michigan reinstates Zavier Simpson after 1-game ban|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28608670/michigan-reinstates-zavier-simpson-1-game-ban|website=ESPN.com|date=January 31, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2020}} On February 4, in a 58–61 loss to Ohio State, Simpson posted 15 points and five assists, becoming the second player in Michigan program history to surpass 600 career assists.{{cite web|title=Review in final minute lifts Ohio State past Michigan 61-58|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166207|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 4, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Michigan Takes Close Loss to Ohio State|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/2/4/mens-basketball-michigan-takes-close-loss-to-ohio-state.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=February 4, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2020}} On February 16, in an 89–65 victory over Indiana, Simpson posted 12 points and 11 assists, for his ninth career double-double. With the win, Simpson and Teske became the winningest players in program history with 105 career victories. Simpson also set a program record for the most games with 10 or more assists (15).{{cite web|title=Michigan routs Indiana 89-65, helps NCAA Tournament chances|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166229|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 16, 2020|access-date=February 16, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Michigan Cruises to Win over Indiana Behind Five Double-Figure Scorers|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/2/16/mens-basketball-michigan-cruises-to-win-over-indiana-behind-five-double-figure-scorers.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=February 16, 2020|access-date=February 16, 2020}} On February 19 in a 60–52 victory over Rutgers, Simpson posted 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Simpson became the fourth player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points and 500 career assists, following Antoine Joubert, Gary Grant and Rumeal Robinson.{{cite web|title=Simpson Leads Michigan, Hands Rutgers First Home Loss|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166235|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Simpson Enters Exclusive Club, Leads U-M to Win at Rutgers|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/2/19/mens-basketball-simpson-enters-exclusive-club-leads-u-m-to-win-at-rutgers.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2020}} Simpson was one of 10 players named a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award, and the lone Big Ten athlete.{{cite web|title=Awards and Honors: Simpson Semifinalist for Naismith Defensive POY Award|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/2/27/2019-20-michigan-mens-basketball-awards-and-honors.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228030416/https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/2/27/2019-20-michigan-mens-basketball-awards-and-honors.aspx|url-status=dead}} On February 27 in a 74–81 loss to Wisconsin, Simpson posted a career-high 32 points, six assists and five rebounds.{{cite web|title=Trice, Wisconsin hold off No. 19 Michigan 81-74|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401166247|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=February 27, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Simpson Goes for 32 Points, but Wolverines Fall to Wisconsin|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/2/27/mens-basketball-simpson-goes-for-32-points-but-wolverines-fall-to-wisconsin.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=February 27, 2020}} Following the season, he was named a 2020 Second team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media.{{cite press release|title=Big Ten Unveils Men's Basketball Postseason Honors on BTN|url=https://bigten.org/news/2020/3/9/big-ten-unveils-mens-basketball-postseason-honors-on-btn.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309231733/https://bigten.org/news/2020/3/9/big-ten-unveils-mens-basketball-postseason-honors-on-btn.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2020|website=BigTen.org|publisher=Big Ten Conference|date=March 9, 2020|access-date=March 9, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Wywrot|title=Simpson Named All-Big Ten Second Team; Wagner on All-Freshman Team|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/3/9/mens-basketball-simpson-named-all-big-ten-second-team-wagner-on-all-freshman-team.aspx|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 9, 2020|access-date=March 9, 2020}} Simpson led the Big Ten conference in assists (7.9) for the season.{{cite web|title=2021-22 Men's Basketball Media Guide|url=https://bigten.org/documents/2021/11/5/2021_22_Men_s_Basketball_Media_Guide.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214005608/https://bigten.org/documents/2021/11/5/2021_22_Men_s_Basketball_Media_Guide.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 14, 2021|website=BigTen.org|publisher=Big Ten Conference|access-date=April 25, 2022}}
Professional career
=Oklahoma City Thunder / Blue (2021–2022)=
On September 17, 2020, Simpson signed his first professional contract with Science City Jena of the German ProA,{{cite news|first=Nicola|last=Lupo|title=Zavier Simpson, Demarcus Holland sign with Science City Jena|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/zavier-simpson-demarcus-holland-sign-with-science-city-jena/|website=Sportando.basketball|date=September 17, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2020}} but left the team before the start of the season.{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Kahn|title=Zavier Simpson leaves German team, will participate in NBA draft showcase|url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2020/11/zavier-simpson-leaves-german-team-will-participate-in-nba-draft-showcase.html|website=MLive.com|date=November 5, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020}} After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on November 18, 2020{{cite news|first=James|last=Hawkins|title='Good fit': UM's Zavier Simpson signs with NBA champion Lakers as undrafted free agent|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2020/11/19/michigans-zavier-simpson-signs-nba-champion-lakers-undrafted-free-agent/6341148002/|work=The Detroit News|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020}} but was waived in December.{{cite news|first=Harrison|last=Faigen|title=The Lakers have waived Kevon Harris, Zavier Simpson and Tres Tinkle|url=https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/14/22174868/lakers-waived-kevon-harris-zavier-simpson-tres-tinkle-training-camp-cuts|work=SB Nation|date=December 14, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020}} He landed with the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League, making his debut in their season opener on February 11, 2021. In 15 games, he averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 28.5 minutes.{{cite web|first=Rory|last=Maher|title=Thunder Sign, Waive Zavier Simpson|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/10/thunder-sign-zavier-simpson.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 16, 2021|access-date=April 5, 2022}}
Simpson joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2021 NBA Summer League{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Lakers 2021 MGM Resorts NBA Summer League Roster|url=https://www.nba.com/summer-league/2021/vegas/team/1610612747/lakers|website=NBA.com|access-date=April 17, 2022}} and on October 15, 2021, he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but was waived the same day subsequently re-signing with the Blue on October 28.{{cite web|title=Oklahoma City Blue Announces 2021 Training Camp Roster and Finalizes Coaching Staff|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/blue-211028|website=NBA.com|date=October 28, 2021|access-date=April 5, 2022}} In 47 games, he averaged 12.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 30.3 minutes per game.{{cite web|title=Thunder Signs Georgios Kalaitzakis and Zavier Simpson to 10-Day Contracts|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-10day-220405|website=NBA.com|date=April 5, 2022|access-date=April 5, 2022}} On April 5, 2022, he signed with the Thunder for the rest of the season. Simpson made his NBA debut against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 5, 2022, where he played 44 minutes and recorded 10 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks.{{cite web|title=Former Michigan Basketball Player Zavier Simpson's debut with the OKC Thunder|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/former-michigan-basketball-player-zavier-simpsons-debut-with-the-okc-thunder/ar-AAVW8jf?ocid=uxbndlbing|website=MSN.com|date=April 6, 2022|access-date=April 6, 2022}} In his second game the next night, he tallied 11 assists against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|title=Jazz rout Thunder 137-101 for 5th straight home win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401361013|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 6, 2022|access-date=May 8, 2022}} In the final game of the season on April 10, he scored 17 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite web|title=Clippers rout OKC 138-88 for 5th win in row, play-in awaits|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401361041|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 11, 2022|access-date=April 5, 2024}}
=Lakeland Magic (2022–2023)=
Simpson joined the Orlando Magic for the 2022 NBA Summer League{{cite web|title=Orlando Magic 2022 NBA2K23 Summer League Roster|url=https://www.nba.com/summer-league/2022/vegas/team/1610612753/magic|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 5, 2022}} and he eventually signed with the Magic on September 24, 2022,{{cite web|title=Orlando Magic Sign Aleem Ford, Zavier Simpson|url=https://www.nba.com/magic/news/orlando-magic-sign-aleem-ford-zavier-simpson-20220924|website=NBA.com|date=September 24, 2022|access-date=October 21, 2022}} but he was waived by the team on October 8.{{cite web|title=Zavier Simpson: Waived by Magic|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/zavier-simpson-waived-by-magic/|website=CBSSports.com|date=October 8, 2022|access-date=October 21, 2022}} On November 3, 2022, Simpson was named to the opening night roster for the Lakeland Magic.{{cite web|title=Lakeland Magic Announce 2022-23 Opening Night Roster|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/lakeland-magic-announce-2022-23-opening-night-roster/n-5895510|website=OurSportsCentral.com|date=November 3, 2022|access-date=November 3, 2022}} He was named to the G League's inaugural Next Up Game for the 2022–23 season.{{cite web|title=Wolves' Garza And Ignite's Henderson Named Captains For NBA G League Next Up Game|url=https://gleague.nba.com/news/wolves-garza-and-ignites-henderson-named-captains-for-nba-g-league-next-up-game|website=NBA.com|date=February 7, 2023|access-date=March 8, 2023}}
=Grises de Humacao (2023)=
On April 3, 2023, Simpson signed with Grises de Humacao of the Puerto Rican league.{{cite tweet|author=La Guerra del BSN|title=OFICIAL: El armador Zavier Simpson es el nuevo refuerzo de los Grises de Humacao en sustitución de Timothy Soares.|number=1643017043577323521|user=LaGuerraBSN|date=April 3, 2023|access-date=April 7, 2023}} He was released on April 25.{{cite web|title=International and G League transactions log: Where are former NBA players going?|url=https://hoopshype.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/|website=HoopsHype.com|date=September 30, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2023}}
=Motor City Cruise (2023–2024)=
The Detroit Pistons's NBA G League affiliate, Motor City Cruise acquired the returning player rights to Simpson in exchange for the 2024 NBA G League draft second round pick plus the returning rights for Reggie Perry and Devontae Cacok on July 27, 2023.{{cite web|title=Osceola Magic Acquire Returning Player Rights To Devontae Cacok, Reggie Perry, And Jared Butler|url=https://gleague.nba.com/news/osceola-magic-acquire-returning-player-rights-to-devontae-cacok-reggie-perry-and-jared-butler|website=NBA.com|date=July 27, 2023|access-date=April 5, 2024}} That month, Simpson joined the Pistons for the 2023 NBA Summer League{{cite web|title=DETROIT PISTONS 2023 NBA 2K24 SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER|url=https://www.nba.com/summer-league/2023/vegas/team/1610612765/pistons|website=NBA.com|access-date=October 8, 2023}} and on October 2, he signed with them.{{cite tweet|author=Pistons PR|title=The @DetroitPistons announced today the team’s 2023-24 training camp roster including the signing of Buddy Boeheim, Tosan Evbuomwan, Jontay Porter, Zavier Simpson and Stanley Umude to Exhibit 10 contracts.|number=1708851868766462316|user=Pistons_PR|date=October 2, 2023|access-date=October 8, 2023}} However, he was waived on October 21{{cite tweet|author=Pistons PR|title=The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has requested waivers on Buddy Boeheim, Tosan Evbuomwan, Jontay Porter and Zavier Simpson.|number=1715844213722534289|user=Pistons_PR|date=October 21, 2023|access-date=October 30, 2023}} and nine days later, he joined the Motor City Cruise{{cite tweet|author=Motor City Cruise|title=The engine is revving, and we're ready to roll! Check out the Motor City Cruise training camp roster - we're ready to work! #HustleAndDrive|number=1719088094782132699|user=MotorCityCruise|date=October 30, 2023|access-date=November 8, 2023}} where he played in 48 games and averaged 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 36.6 minutes.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies sign Maozinha Pereira and Zavier Simpson to 10-day contracts|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies-sign-maozinha-pereira-and-zavier-simpson-to-10-day-contracts|website=NBA.com|date=March 30, 2024|access-date=March 30, 2024}}
=Memphis Grizzlies (2024)=
On March 30, 2024, Simpson signed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and on April 9, he signed a second 10-day contract.{{cite tweet|author=Grizzlies PR|title=The @memgrizz today announced the team signed Zavier Simpson to a second 10-day contract and Jack White to a 10-day contract.|number=1777708253993951743|user=GrizzliesPR|date=April 9, 2024|access-date=April 9, 2024}}
=U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024–present)=
On July 26, 2024, Simpson signed with U-BT Cluj-Napoca of the Liga Națională de Baschet Masculin.{{cite web|title=Din NBA, direct la U-Banca Transilvania! Zavier Simpson este noul conducător de joc al echipei noastre|url=https://www.u-bt.ro/seniori/stiri/din-nba-direct-la-u-banca-transilvania-zavier-simpson-este-noul-conducator-de-joc-al-echipei-noastre|website=U-BT.ro|date=July 26, 2024|access-date=July 26, 2024|language=Romanian}}
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=NBA=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2021}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City
| 4 || 4 || 43.5 || .365 || .125 || 1.000 || 5.3 || 7.5 || 1.3 || 1.0 || 11.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2023}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Memphis
| 7 || 0 || 23.1 || .315 || .294 || .750 || 2.9 || 3.6 || 1.0 || .4 || 6.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 11 || 4 || 30.5 || .340 || .240 || .889 || 3.7 || 5.0 || 1.1 || .6 || 7.8
{{S-end}}
=College=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17
| style="text-align:left;"| Michigan
| 38 || 0 || 8.7 || .372 || .263 || .710 || .6 || 1.0 || .5 || .1 || 1.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2017–18
| style="text-align:left;"| Michigan
| style="background:#cfecec;"| 41* || 29 || 26.5 || .467 || .286 || .516 || 3.2 || 3.7 || 1.3 || .0 || 7.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2018–19
| style="text-align:left;"| Michigan
| 37 || 37 || 33.8 || .434 || .308 || .667 || 5.0 || 6.6 || 1.4 || .1 || 8.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2019–20
| style="text-align:left;"| Michigan
| 30 || 30 || 33.7 || .476 || .360 || .574 || 4.5 || 7.9 || 1.0 || .1 || 12.9
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 146 || 96 || 25.2 || .455 || .314 || .590 || 3.3 || 4.6 || 1.1 || .1 || 7.3
{{S-end}}
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#CFECEC; width:1em"|*
|Led NCAA Division I |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zavier-simpson/20388 Michigan Wolverines bio]
- [https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/players/s/simpsza01d.html G-League stats] at Sports Reference
{{U-BT Cluj-Napoca current roster}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Simpson, Zavier}}
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Romania
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Basketball players from Ohio
Category:Grises de Humacao players
Category:Lakeland Magic players
Category:Michigan Wolverines men's basketball players
Category:Memphis Grizzlies players
Category:Motor City Cruise players
Category:Oklahoma City Blue players
Category:Oklahoma City Thunder players
Category:Sportspeople from Lima, Ohio
Category:U-BT Cluj-Napoca players
Category:Undrafted NBA players
Category:United States men's national basketball team players