Sad news from West Lafayette today, as Purdue University announced that Champaign Central product Jay Simpson will have to retire from playing basketball due to a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Purdue coach Matt Painter said, “Obviously, this is very tough and upsetting news to take. You never want to see a young athlete’s career end in a fashion like this. Jay had a very bright future in our program and we are disappointed that he will not be able to continue his basketball career.”
Jay Simpson starred at Champaign Central under former longtime coach Scott Davis, before transferring to prep school La Lumiere in LaPorte, Ind. for his senior season.
Coming out of high school, Simpson was ranked the 112th best player in the class of 2012, and was awarded a three-star profile. At one point, he was as high as 57th and a four star profile.
Well wishes to him and his family as he starts a new path on what will hopefully be a long and healthy life.
Photo credit: Journal-Courier Online