Player Highlight: Jordan Simpson, Men's Basketball

A familiar face is back in the Border City, with high expectations for himself and his team.

Jordan Simpson has rejoined the men's basketball program at Lakeland College for the 2025-2026 season, after a year at the U-Sports level with Carelton University. The 6'6 forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba said after his season with the Ravens, Coach Sheray Thomas reached out to say there was still opportunity here in Lloydminster, prompting Simpson to step back in the Rustlers fold.

"The comradery here is good, the players the coaches and even the community even," Simpson said. "It meant a lot to me to have Coach Thomas reach out. It really is the culture here.

Simpson was a major factor for the ACAC bronze medal winning 2024 team, anchoring the squad's defence. Coach Thomas said the fourth year can still level up, which would have an even bigger impact on this year's group.

"His experience and length will give us a great defensive and rebounding presence," Thomas said "We're looking forward to Jordan building on his play from the 2023-2024 season with the Rustlers."

Simpson came to Lakeland in 2022 with his older brother Noah. After spending many years as one of the younger players on a team, he's looking forward to being on the other side of the locker room dynamic.

"I've picked up the veteran role, leading guys not just by example but with my voice as well," Simpson said. "Honestly, the adjustment has been pretty easy, having been here for two years before."

What's also made his return an easy adjustment is the core group, which features a mix of returning veterans and exciting newcomers. Simpson said the pieces fit on paper, but the comradery they've already built in a few weeks should make an even bigger difference than each player's skillset.

When you have good chemistry, it pays forward on the court," he said. "Everybody's out here trying to do the same thing, we're trying to win a chip, so it's just about going and getting it."

Jordan Simpson is taking Business Administration at Lakeland College.

The Rustlers men's basketball team host the RDP Kings on Sept. 26 in the first of two exhibition games that weekend. They make their regular season home debut Oct. 17 against the defending ACAC champions, the Briercrest Clippers.