2007 BU commitment- 6'10" Anthony Thompson

[Da Coach]

Anthony Thompson is a 6'10', 190 power forward/center from Klein Forest High School in Houston. He visitied Peoria and Bradley's campus last weekend with another recruit, Will Egolf. Will has since committed, and Anthony was also impressed and suggested he was close to committing to Bradley. Let's hope Bradley's coaches can land this talented kid.
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/ANTHONYTHOMPSON8_1150.JPG
He is described in a new Texashoops.com/Rivals article as "long and with the ability to run the floor gracefully", and possessing all the tools needed to be a top player. He says he has received 3 offers (Bradley, SMU, and Texas A&M), and has made only 1 visit so far (Bradley last weekend).
He says this about his visit to Bradley--
"That went well," Thompson said. "The first day, we talked academics with the teachers and the administrators, and they showed me around campus, the gym, and things like that. The next day, I hung out with the team and got to know them."

Here is the Premium article on Texashoops.com--
http://texashoops.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=578035

Rivals.com profile (3-stars)--
http://texashoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=55595

He is also a 3-star prospect on Scout.com--
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=110&p=8&cfg=bb&c=1&yr=2007&nid=2680525

Here he is rated the #302 player in the US in the class of 2007--
http://www.geocities.com/classof07bbrankings/my_page.html

Here he is listed as the #29 player in Texas in the class of 2007--
http://www.sasports.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=2279&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=&sid=07cd9ae2f266c0bca5890b81a26f359c

[BuBraves55]

ya that'd be big, almost like brandyn heemskerk big :o

[GrandSlam]

I can confirm, that IS who visited last weekend.
You are awesome in getting the inside info, can't find it anywhere else.
Thanks

[MacabreMob]

You are awesome in getting the inside info, ....

Da Coach IS the inside info.

:wink:

[lwblue]

According to Rivals.com Anthony Thompson from Texas has committed to BU.

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=55595

[tornado]

I have heard the same thing, but I am stunned that the Rivals guys seem to know this stuff so quickly.
Congrats to Anthony & to Jim Les and BU.
This is great news.

Per Rivals
"He was looking at some other schools like Old Dominion, Georgia, and SMU had made a home visit with him last week. But Bradley was the only visit that he took and he really liked it there. He just decided it was the place that he wanted to go."

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/ANTHONYTHOMPSON8_1150.JPG

[Average Joe]

I think we will see even more good news :-o

[Average Joe]

Two other present D-I players have come from Thompson's high school in the past couple years.
http://riceowls.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/perka_aleks00.html
http://www.goislanders.com/roster_bio.cfm?pass_num=131&sp=bskm

[BU1999]

Super!!
6-10!!
7"+ wingspan

:-o :-o :-o


http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/ANTHONYTHOMPSON8_1200.JPG



http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/35/358394m.jpg

[mexicobufan]

Great job by the coaching staff........say what you will but Matt Dortey having a home visit last week and still getting the kid says a great deal about Jim's ability to close the deal....

[BradleyBrave]

Great job by the coaching staff........say what you will but Matt Dortey having a home visit last week and still getting the kid says a great deal about Jim's ability to close the deal....

I don't think too many people have ever questioned JL's ability to recruit or 'close the deal'. Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. This is a major recruiting victory for BU against one of the nation's best recruiters. Now let's get that LOI and make it official.

[OrangeandBlack74]

Great job by the coaching staff........say what you will but Matt Dortey having a home visit last week and still getting the kid says a great deal about Jim's ability to close the deal....

I don't think too many people have ever questioned JL's ability to recruit or 'close the deal'. Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. This is a major recruiting victory for BU against one of the nation's best recruiters. Now let's get that LOI and make it official.

BBrave.....this is a kid that you and I targeted early on as a "must sign", because of his size and potential. Nice to get the verbal, but I'll rest a lot easier when the LOI is in hand!

[BradleyBrave]

Great job by the coaching staff........say what you will but Matt Dortey having a home visit last week and still getting the kid says a great deal about Jim's ability to close the deal....

I don't think too many people have ever questioned JL's ability to recruit or 'close the deal'. Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. This is a major recruiting victory for BU against one of the nation's best recruiters. Now let's get that LOI and make it official.

BBrave.....this is a kid that you and I targeted early on as a "must sign", because of his size and potential. Nice to get the verbal, but I'll rest a lot easier when the LOI is in hand!

Exactly OB. This could be one of JL's greatest recruiting accomplishments if we can get that LOI. We're only halfway home with the verbal. November 8 can't come soon enough!

[Big Mike]

Congrats to the staff for landing a player they really wanted! :wink:

[tornado]

....Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. ....

depends on how you define "a lot of effort"...
Here are some names of guys JL did put a lot of hope and a lot of effort into, but didn't get...
Roy Bright, Dom Johnson, Manual Cass, Anthony Slack, Marvell Waithe, Arturas Valeika, Jeremy Fears the first time around when he chose Iowa State, and to some extent Mareceo Rutledge.

[BradleyBrave]

....Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. ....

depends on how you define "a lot of effort"...
Here are some names of guys JL did put a lot of hope and a lot of effort into, but didn't get...
Roy Bright, Dom Johnson, Manual Cass, Anthony Slack, Marvell Waithe, Arturas Valeika, Jeremy Fears the first time around when he chose Iowa State, and to some extent Mareceo Rutledge.

It is a matter of definition. Sikes was our top recruiting priority and we put more effort and time into recruiting him than anyone previously. I'm sure we put solid efforts in on the other guys.

[OrangeandBlack74]

....Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. ....

depends on how you define "a lot of effort"...
Here are some names of guys JL did put a lot of hope and a lot of effort into, but didn't get...
Roy Bright, Dom Johnson, Manual Cass, Anthony Slack, Marvell Waithe, Arturas Valeika, Jeremy Fears the first time around when he chose Iowa State, and to some extent Mareceo Rutledge.

It is a matter of definition. Sikes was our top recruiting priority and we put more effort and time into recruiting him than anyone previously. I'm sure we put solid efforts in on the other guys.

I still don't understand why Sikes didn't come here. I thought he was sure to sign with BU, and would have made a ton of difference for the upcoming season.

[BradleyBrave]

....Marcus Sikes is about the only guy JL has really wanted and put a lot of effort into and didn't get. ....

depends on how you define "a lot of effort"...
Here are some names of guys JL did put a lot of hope and a lot of effort into, but didn't get...
Roy Bright, Dom Johnson, Manual Cass, Anthony Slack, Marvell Waithe, Arturas Valeika, Jeremy Fears the first time around when he chose Iowa State, and to some extent Mareceo Rutledge.

It is a matter of definition. Sikes was our top recruiting priority and we put more effort and time into recruiting him than anyone previously. I'm sure we put solid efforts in on the other guys.

I still don't understand why Sikes didn't come here. I thought he was sure to sign with BU, and would have made a ton of difference for the upcoming season.

Yeah, BU seemed to make a lot more sense for him than Cincinnati. Same thing with Roy Bright and Delaware State. But, sometimes these things have a way of working out. Maybe Matt Salley will end up being everything Marcus Sikes could have been and more. Time will tell.

[Da Coach]

Two other present D-I players have come from Thompson's high school in the past couple years.
http://riceowls.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/perka_aleks00.html
http://www.goislanders.com/roster_bio.cfm?pass_num=131&sp=bskm

Anthony Thompson is not even the highest rated kid on his own high school team. Alonzo Edwards, who is also playing at Klein Forest High School, is rated a higher recruit among the Texas prep players than Thompson.

http://texashoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=55379

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=378&p=8&c=1&nid=2680502

It doesn't look like he's committed anywhere, yet. Maybe he'd be interested in playing with Thompson for the next 4 years?

[Da Coach]

Yeah, BU seemed to make a lot more sense for him than Cincinnati. Same thing with Roy Bright and Delaware State. But, sometimes these things have a way of working out. Maybe Matt Salley will end up being everything Marcus Sikes could have been and more. Time will tell.

A lot of what goes into kids' decisions is in the name of the school. Bradley just is not as impressive a name to brag to your friends as Cincinnati.

Now why anyone would pick Delaware State over Bradley is a bigger mystery to me.

[Da Coach]

I have heard that Old Dominion made a strong late push to get Thompson, and would have liked him to wait on the commit. Nice to get the verbal now.

[bu fan 9]

Good job coach Les and his staff keep up the good work.

[Big Mike]

http://www.chicagohoops.com/articles1/thompsonbradley.html

[Big Mike]

Did anyone else catch the line from the Chicago hoops thread that says......Thompson is a LEFTY..........? :-o 8) 8) 8)

[BradleyBrave]

Wow...we MUST get the LOI from this kid. Sounds like he's got a chance to be a star.

[dogsrus]

I keep thinking of CU's big...Tolliver. While AT needs some weight and strength I'd take that kind of player.

[BradleyBrave]

I keep thinking of CU's big...Tolliver. While AT needs some weight and strength I'd take that kind of player.

It sounds like Thompson's upside is much higher than Tolliver's. This kid can be a star.

Just to put in perspective what kind of recruit this kid is, and what we're building here at BU...

(All ratings courtesy of Scout.com)

Pre-Sweet 16

Marcellus Sommerville - 3 star
Lawrence Wright - 1 star
Patrick O'Bryant - 2 star
Jeremy Crouch - 2 star
Sam Singh - 2 star
Tony Bennett - NR
Danny Adams - NR
JJ Tauai - NR
Zach Andrews - 2 star
Ray Brown - 1 star
Will Franklin - NR
Daniel Ruffin - NR
Andrew Warren - NR
Xavier Crawford - 3 star (I debated whether or not to count him)

Post-Sweet 16

Matt Salley - 3 star (Spring commitment)
Anthony Thompson - 3 star
Sam Maniscalco - 2 star
DeAaron Williams - 3 star
Jeremy Fears - 2 star

Of course these rankings have their flaws, and players (especially ones that opt for smaller venues like BU) are underrated all the time, but I think this really shows how we're rasing the bar talent-wise on the Hilltop. IMO we're in the midst of building something very special. What a difference a year makes!

[MacabreMob]

I have feelings of 'Warm-Willies'.... but I am aware of the 'Gordon-Grundies'.

Sign him.

Get him on campus.

I won't be convinced til he suits up in red/white on the hardfloor.

[MacabreMob]

What a difference a year makes!

What a difference a great coach makes.

Recruiting and coaching. A vision. Others sharing the vision. Building.

[BradleyBrave]

What a difference a year makes!

What a difference a great coach makes.

Recruiting and coaching. A vision. Others sharing the vision. Building.

I'm not ready to call JL a great coach yet. I'll need a few more 20 win seasons and NCAA appearances to do that (which I do foresee). However, his eye for talent and ability to bring players to Peoria is unquestionable.

[Da Coach]

Ray Brown - 1 star

You are right about flaws in the rating systems these sites use.
I remember that when Ray signed with Bradley he was a 3-star
prospect on Scout. And he did nothing to weaken that rating,
by leading his team to the championship game of the Minnesota
state tournament and having a tremendous senior year.
Yet Scout downgraded him to a 2-star, then a 1-star prospect
as the season passed. I still don't understand why.

Rivals still shows him as a 3-star recruit. And CSTV still shows
him as a "super prospect" which is their 2nd highest rating
("Top 100" is the highest, and "Super Prospect" means
approximately the kids ranked 101-200).

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=25353

http://interact.cstv.com/recruiting/searchrecruit.cfm?school_name=brad&sport=basketball&dbyear=04

[Big Mike]

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/092706/BRA_BB2UB0M2.071.shtml

Sounds good to me! :idea:

[Biff]

Daniel Ruffin and JJ Tauai are the co-captains of the team this year. Congratulations to them. :lol:

[squeaky]

Nice article by Dave Reynolds! He must have interviewed both Anthony Thompson and his coach and there are some good quotes. He confirms that the NCAA appearance and the success of POB were key things that attracted him to Bradley. He also liked the smaller campus and class size, and the fact the Bradley doesn't have football. Often those things work against a school.
The offers he had were all from major schools, too. Good work by the coaches. And he sounds like a bright kid.

[chitownBUB]

Anthony Thompson is not even the highest rated kid on his own high school team. Alonzo Edwards, who is also playing at Klein Forest High School, is rated a higher recruit among the Texas prep players than Thompson.

http://texashoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=55379

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=378&p=8&c=1&nid=2680502

It doesn't look like he's committed anywhere, yet. Maybe he'd be interested in playing with Thompson for the next 4 years?

That is bizarre, the guy is one of the top players in Texas and doesn't even have any schools interested in him.

[Da Coach]

Rivals doesn't list any schools, but I am sure there are schools recruiting the kid. Scout lists several major schools like Texas, Texas A&M, SMU, Miami (FL), Texas Tech, and Wyoming.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=2680502

[flipper]

this great news. maybe another pob? 8)

[tornado]

The print version of the story in the PJ Star has a strange sub-headline just beneath the main headline.

It says
"But senior lefty from Houston is only a slight 190 pounds"

OK-- I don't know how much he actually weighs, but many sources say 190, so the statement isn't false, but it is almost as if the guy who writes the headline has to slip a little rip into the headline. They just can't seem to say anything positive without adding a little negative.

It almost sounds like they feel compelled to proclaim the kid's faults.
Maybe a headline like "But he can't hit the short jumper"
or maybe "But he's turnover prone"...

Why do they do this?

I checked the Rivals Top 150, and found several players that are 190 lbs. or so but they don't have disclaimers attached about how "slight" they are.

Here are some examples:

The top rated big kid in the entire state of Indiana, JaJuan Johnson who just committed to Purdue is 6'11" and 190 lbs.
http://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-14753.html
http://prephoopsonline.com/national-rankings

Mike Tisdale and Bill Cole, both committed to Illinois are 7'0" -200 and 6'10"-190 respectively, and one of the other top kids in Illinois, Brett Thompson is 6'11"-190.
http://www.midstatehoops.com/playerfocus/brett_thompson.html

and Vanderbilt's top target is 6-9, 180 lb Josh Owens.
John Leuer and Teeng Akol (both committed to BCS programs)are both 6-10 and 190-200.

[OrangeandBlack74]

The print version of the story in the PJ Star has a strange sub-headline just beneath the main headline.

It says
"But senior lefty from Houston is only a slight 190 pounds"

OK-- I don't know how much he actually weighs, but many sources say 190, so the statement isn't false, but it is almost as if the guy who writes the headline has to slip a little rip into the headline. They just can't seem to say anything positive without adding a little negative.

It almost sounds like they feel compelled to proclaim the kid's faults.
Maybe a headline like "But he can't hit the short jumper"
or maybe "But he's turnover prone"...

Why do they do this?

T.....I think you're overreacting to the headline. The kid is not a big, bruising type player, and the primary headline mentions he's 6-10, so the sub-headline is used to provide additional information on his physique.....nothing more.

I remember when I was a senior in high school, I was 6-4 and weighed only 160 lbs.....and boy was I skinny!! :-o

So calling someone "slight" who is 6-10 and 190 lbs is not really a stretch, IMO.

[mike radigan]

I remember when I was a senior in high school, I was 6-4 and weighed only 160 lbs.....and boy was I skinny!! :-o

What happened? :lol:

[tornado]

O&B I know they are saying what they want and that the kid does weigh 190, but I mention it as part of a long standing pattern that I have pointed out many, many times how the PJS never seems to say anything positive about a BU kid without also attaching a bit of a qualifier or a negative.

Compare the headline for the kid Missouri State just landed two days ago
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060925/BREAKING02/60925009

or to the headline for any recruit mentioned on this board at any other school
http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=2&c=571934&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fscouthoops.scout.com%2f2 %2f571934.html
http://www.wissports.net/wishoops/
http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2006/06/24/sports/local/doc449cc4cf6cb05863475031.txt
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=56139]
http://www.tribstar.com/collegesports/local_story_209000213.html

Not one single "but" or "only" or negative in either the headline or the article.

If you think I am overreacting, I believe it is just the fact that I have pointed this out numerous times, over and over, this board and the other.
PM me if you want even a short list of older discussions where I cite the repeated negative comments, articles, and even untrue claims that show up in the PJ Star in some apparent effort to disparage Jim Les and Bradley, even by some who claim to be lilfelong BU "fans".

[OrangeandBlack74]

I remember when I was a senior in high school, I was 6-4 and weighed only 160 lbs.....and boy was I skinny!! :-o

What happened? :lol:

Gravity.....and I didn't lose my teenage appetite! :wink:

[it's boogie time]

Should I cancel my subscription because somebody had the audacity to call a player that is 6'10" 190lbs - "Slight"? Your paranoia cracks me up.

I can't believe that his coach also called him out by saying that he needs to get stronger. Has he no heart?

[tornado]

Should I cancel my subscription because somebody had the audacity to call a player that is 6'10" 190lbs - "Slight"? Your paranoia cracks me up.

I can't believe that his coach also called him out by saying that he needs to get stronger. Has he no heart?

So you think the PJ Star has been fair and balanced and generally favorable regarding BU stories?

If so I challenge you to find even one other story in their archives or anywhere, that talks about a recruit then uses either "but" or "only" in the headline in their description of the kid.
Just one......I'm waiting....

[it's boogie time]

Are you under the impression that Bradley is getting flawless recruits? Seriously.

[mexicobufan]

Guys this is a good day for BU basketball and this is a BU board. Any chance we could enjoy a major recruiting victory by the home team..........the good guys (BU) had a big win today!!!!!!

[it's boogie time]

It is cool that BU landed a second big guy. I was a little concerned. I'm certainly happy now.

[tornado]

Are you under the impression that Bradley is getting flawless recruits? Seriously.

hardly, and nowhere have I ever claimed that.
The kid might be an absolute project, but my point is that only the BU recruits are ever described that way.
Sjow me any article of headline ever appearing in the PJS that describes any other recruit in those terms.
But since you disagree with my assessment of the treatment BU and it's people get from the PJS, then I gave my proof, let's see yours.
Had they said in the headline the guy was 6-10, 190 lbs, or had they described him as "long" or even "thin" as some recruiting services describe him, I would have had no problem.
But it appears to me the wording is an attempt to characterize the kid as somewhat of a project.

[BradleyBrave]

It is cool that BU landed a second big guy. I was a little concerned. I'm certainly happy now.

Get ready to get happier...a 3rd may be on his way! :wink:

[tornado]

It is cool that BU landed a second big guy. I was a little concerned. I'm certainly happy now.

Get ready to get happier...a 3rd may be on his way! :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:
Nice to hear

[it's boogie time]

Thanks for reminding me why I usually ignore your posts.

What's you proof again? I'm looking at a headline that says "BU lands 6-10 center".

[MacabreMob]

What a difference a year makes!

What a difference a great coach makes.

Recruiting and coaching. A vision. Others sharing the vision. Building.

I'm not ready to call JL a great coach yet. I'll need a few more 20 win seasons and NCAA appearances to do that (which I do foresee). However, his eye for talent and ability to bring players to Peoria is unquestionable.

I know - I know.

Was trying to poke fun at the Bradley/Illini fan that wanted WM over Les. Many of them don't like to see JL successful. All of them are shocked at any success he has had. Many of them claimed WM to be a great college coach before he ever became a DivI head coach.

So one great year and many great recruits.... To me, JL is a great coach all around.

Way to go JL! Keep up the great job you are doing as a great coach!

[MacabreMob]

Daniel Ruffin and JJ Tauai are the co-captains of the team this year. Congratulations to them. :lol:

Hey! I was at least 1/2 right. I called JJ being captain a few months back.

Way to go JJ! Congrats to you and Danny!

[tornado]

Thanks for reminding me why I usually ignore your posts.

What's you proof again? I'm looking at a headline that says "BU lands 6-10 center".

That's the nice thing about a message board, feel free to ignore whatever you want.

But the subheadline was in the newspaper as I stated in the earlier post and NOT online. If you didn't read the print version and haven't seen it, then why are you arguing about it?
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=26472#26472

[it's boogie time]

So does this help or hurt your bias theory if the print and online edition are different?

I read the print newspaper this morning and saw a nice article about a good recruit. I haven't gone back and picked the article, headline and subheadline apart. It did go through my mind that the kid needs to put on weight, but you can't teach height.

[BradleyBrave]

It is cool that BU landed a second big guy. I was a little concerned. I'm certainly happy now.

Get ready to get happier...a 3rd may be on his way! :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:
Nice to hear

Let's hope anyways... ;)

[tornado]

So does this help or hurt your bias theory if the print and online edition are different?
.

No theory, just observation and well supported facts...see below
But at least I have given evidence and proof, and am not requiring anyone to alter their opinion unless they want to.
So in the end we are exactly the same in that we each hold to our own opinion, but we do differ in that I have stated my views, backed it up with evidence, and allowed dissent, while you have offered nothing and seem intolerant of the opposing opinion....case closed.

The headline that appears with an article, even a news wire article, is almost always made up by an editor or a guy at the local paper other than the writer of the story.
That's why even if there are thousands of papers who run the same story (like an AP story) there are still numerous different headlines.

But I suspect the person who selects the headline for the print version could be a different person than the one who selects for the online version. That makes no difference to me except I stand by my statement as before, that there have been has been over time a bias against BU and the people at BU.
The rants by certain sports page editors against BU, its selection processes, and its fans are legendary.
They go back from Dick Lien and his bitter feud with Dick Versace, thru Phil Theobald and his obvious dislike for Mo, and it's present even now.

If you don't recall the column that roundly condemned message board posters and BU fans who favored JL for the head coaching job, then you have already made up your mind and I don't really care if you agree or not.
But to say I haven't made an effort to prove said point is to deny the obvious.
I can send you a copy of that April, 2003 column if you want, it is undeniable that the person who writes it has some pent up beef with BU and the JL supporters.
Or just do a search for "rant" on this message board and find out how many posters besides me seem to agree that the local sports writers seem to have some bias or beef with BU.
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=460
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=467
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2794
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3186
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1687
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=831
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=237

[dogsrus]

It is cool that BU landed a second big guy. I was a little concerned. I'm certainly happy now.

Get ready to get happier...a 3rd may be on his way! :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:
Nice to hear

Let's hope anyways... ;)


There IS a "buzz" going around BU nation of some (more) pending good news. I have heard this from various folks but no one can or will give many details.

This could get fun.....

[tornado]

Me too, I'll give you a call and we can compare "buzz's"

[BradleyBrave]

Me too, I'll give you a call and we can compare "buzz's"

I can always use a good 'buzz'... :)

[chitownBUB]

Van Coleman now has a report on BU's new recruit.
If someone has a subscription, fill us in.

http://hoopmasters.com/

[tornado]

Anthony Thompson is not even the highest rated kid on his own high school team. Alonzo Edwards, who is also playing at Klein Forest High School, is rated a higher recruit among the Texas prep players than Thompson.

In a coincidence, Anthony Thompson's Klein Forest (TX) teammate, Alonzo Edwards has verbally committed to Nebraska, exactly where Shang Ping just committed last week.
Edwards is a 6'6" SF/PF and will likely compete somewhat with Ping for PT.
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=187&p=9&c=2&cid=575840&nid=2680502&fhn=1

[tiptop]

Alonzo Edwards is a beast! He is 6'7" 220 and a warrior on both ends of the court. He is fun to watch with his vicious slams off the drive and with his open court finishes. He is a combo forward who dominates in low at the high school level, but will need to be more of a face up 3 at Nebraska. His biggest weakness is ball handling and ball movement skills from the wing.

Anthony Thompson is not as good as Alonzo at this stage in the game.........but Thompson's upside is bigger and better. It is extremely hard to find a 6'10" player with the athleticism, quickness and length that Thompson possesses. He has tools you just can't teach. If he continues to grow to 6'11" 240, he will be a more dominant collegiate player than Edwards within two years.

Maturity plays a big part in high school player's domination. If you look at the NBA draft, every year half the players drafted are players who were never even rated in the top 100 as high school seniors. Why? Because they haven't fully matured yet.

Channing Frye, Patrick O'Bryant, Devin Harris, Jamal Crawford, Gilbert Arenas, Dwyane Wade, the list goes on forever!

Look at all the top high school stalwarts of the past 10 years: Kelvin Torbert, Dajuan Wagner, Ousmanne Cisse, Ronnie Fields, etc., etc. These are players who matured early and topped out as players.

When Thompson develops, watch out! He could be the top player in the MVC by his Junior season! And by the way, he is way ahead of Anthony Tolliver at the same stage.

[brocks]

It sounds like Thompson's upside is much higher than Tolliver's. This kid can be a star.

Just to put in perspective what kind of recruit this kid is, and what we're building here at BU...

(All ratings courtesy of Scout.com)

Pre-Sweet 16

Marcellus Sommerville - 3 star
Lawrence Wright - 1 star
Patrick O'Bryant - 2 star
Jeremy Crouch - 2 star
Sam Singh - 2 star
Tony Bennett - NR
Danny Adams - NR
JJ Tauai - NR
Zach Andrews - 2 star
Ray Brown - 1 star
Will Franklin - NR
Daniel Ruffin - NR
Andrew Warren - NR
Xavier Crawford - 3 star (I debated whether or not to count him)

Post-Sweet 16

Matt Salley - 3 star (Spring commitment)
Anthony Thompson - 3 star
Sam Maniscalco - 2 star
DeAaron Williams - 3 star
Jeremy Fears - 2 star

Of course these rankings have their flaws, and players (especially ones that opt for smaller venues like BU) are underrated all the time, but I think this really shows how we're rasing the bar talent-wise on the Hilltop. IMO we're in the midst of building something very special. What a difference a year makes!


BB . . . I'd like to see an update of this list. I think we've got some more 3-stars to add, at least if one counts Rivals (not sure about Scout).