May 21 2010
Semple is now a Wildcat
Wildcat or Lumberjack? Lumberjack or Wildcat? That’s what it eventually came down to for Arcata High’s Jordan Semple. Others, like Cal State Bakersfield and Sacramento State were in the mix but Semple determined his best two options were in Chico and Arcata. After much deliberation, he chose the former.
Semple couldn’t lose either way
Now, the 6-foot-6 basketballer is a Chico State Wildcat.
After the proverbial dust settled from the various visits and pitches, Semple and his family processed the factors involved. "It took me about a week and a half to decide," Semple explained, adding, "we looked at the pros and cons, plus all the numbers and I had to decide if I wanted to play in my hometown or try elsewhere."
He’ll be leaving the north coast and heading about 145 miles inland and south.
So who and what is Chico State Coach Greg Clink getting?
For one, the most valuable player of the Humboldt-Del Norte Conference and of the Eureka Times-Standard newspaper. Plus, Semple averaged 18 points, six rebounds and three assists a contest, while shooting 49% overall and 31% from long distance. He also possesses a 3.3 grade point average and a 25 score on the ACT.
Here’s Clink on his latest acquisition: "His [Jordan’s] skill set, athleticism and passion for the game are all things that are going to allow him to have a huge impact on our program. Jordan provides good size and versatility at the small forward position and he has the ability to guard multiple positions. He’s a good shooter and ball-handler. His offensive skill set is excellent and he has a knack for rebounding the ball."
According to Semple, he’ll be positioned at the 2 and 3 spots, posting up against smaller matchups.
As for getting on the court, Semple said, "I know it won’t be easy but I’ll be working hard to earn early playing time and trying to become a starter."
"I’ll be heading to Chico in late July-early August to get accustomed to college life and begin playing with my new teammates," Semple said.
Some may say going from a Tiger (Arcata High) to a Wildcat (Chico State) seems a step down in nature’s evolutionary scale but the Chico variety of Felis silvestris has gone from three wins in league play a few seasons ago to a 16-13 record in 2009-2010, with this season concluding in a three-point loss to eventual national champion Cal Poly Pomona.