Hall of Fame
From the tiny town of Dixie, Ga., Phillip Simpson took the college basketball world by storm both at ABAC and at the University of Georgia. A 1956 graduate of Dixie High School, he played at ABAC during the 1956-57 and 1957-58 seasons. Nicknamed “Goose,” Simpson averaged 26 points per game as a freshman at ABAC when he was named to the Georgia Junior College All-State team. During his sophomore season, he averaged 24 points a game for the Stallions and was recognized for having the ninth highest scoring average in the nation. Simpson was selected for All-America status and was chosen as the Most Valuable Player in the state tournament where ABAC finished second. ABAC retired his jersey on the night of his last game as a Stallion. Simpson finished his college career as a two-year starter for the University of Georgia where legendary Kentucky Coach Adolph Rupp called him “the best rebounder in the SEC” in 1960. Simpson played for Georgia Coach Red Lawson and was named Most Valuable Player for Bulldogs during his junior season when he led UGA in total field goals, total free throws, rebounds, total points and a 14.1 scoring average. Simpson was named captain of the UGA team during his senior season. He was a second team All-SEC selection for the 1960-61 season. He received the Joe Jordan Memorial Trophy for his outstanding play that year.
