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2011 Small Forward Sam Thompson Commits to Ohio State

via images.maxpreps.com

The basketball Bucks picked up a big commitment today when Chicago prep standout Sam Thompson committed to Thad Matta and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Thompson, 6''7 and 180 lbs, is an athletic wing who chose Ohio State over offers from Florida, Kansas, Georgetown, and Oregon State, among others. Before making his decision today, Thompson had narrowed his options to two schools, Florida and Ohio State. After visiting Ohio State last weekend, and attending the Miami game while on campus, Thompson came to a decision .

This is the third commitment that Thad Matta has wrangled up for the 2011 class. Thompson joins LaQuinton (NJ.) Ross  and Shannon Scott (GA.) to fill out the current commitments.

Stats provided by Maxpreps.com

CategoryValue
Points per game 12.6
Assists per game 3.9
Blocks per game 3.6
Rebounds per game 8.4
Steals per game 2.2
Free Throws made 48

 

                      Hit the jump for ESPN's evaluation and a highlight video.

Star-divide

ESPN's View:

Strengths:
Thompson is a long lean versatile player. He has the talent and skill to play all three perimeter positions and be productive. He can score on the break by running the floor or rebounding and leading the break where he can get to the rim or draw and kick to an open teammate. In the half court Thompson can make plays off the dribble with his excellent ball handling and passing ability. He can also hit the open mid range jumper off the catch or dribble. Thompson has a good feel for the game and is a capable multiple position defender. He is a good shot blocker for a wing player as well.

Weaknesses:
Thompson must improve his strength in order to be a better finisher when contact is involved. He also needs to work to become a better three point shooter. His shot preparation needs attention. At times Thompson will disappear during games especially when he is playing off the ball. His effort and energy is very inconsistent which takes away from his overall production in areas of his game that he has the talent to be very productive.

Bottom Line:
Thompson has the size, talent and skill to be productive in every game he plays. He can make plays off the dribble and his overall versatility makes him special. Added strength, consistent effort and an improved jumper take this young talented players game to the next level.

 

 

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Mar 2012 by KyleSLamb - 3 comments

Comments

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Is it just me, or does this guy sound a lot like evan turner? Long, athletic player who can play the 1-3 positions. Good midrange, defense, and passing but needs to add strength to battle inside and needs to add an outside shot.

Even more comparisons: he is the same height as turner and is only a few pounds heavier. both were 4 star recruits in high school out of the state of indiana. both were ranked top 16 at their position. Thompson’s ranking on ESPN was a 95 (as a recruit) and Turner’s was a 96.

  their stats are both similarly as good (though this is where turner stood out)

Thompson: (above)

Turner: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals.

Overall: he is a lot like evan turner and that is the kind of player I really like (can do everything on the court type), however I see Thompson as more likely being a 4 year guy. both were raw coming out but I would say (from what I can see in limited video and from their stats) that turner may have been a bit more polished.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.

I appreciate Male Beauty

Intensive Purposes? I could care less...

by bross09 on Sep 20, 2010 2:12 AM EDT reply actions  

I’m not sure how similar they are as players, but Thompson has mentioned Evan Turner’s success as a reason for choosing Ohio State.

by Tyler T. on Sep 20, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have very little visual evidence to go on, except for what limited stuff is shown in the videos up top. however, I was more looking at build, scouting reports, production, and style. In those ways they are the similar perimeter point forward type. Just going by the scouting report too that is above, it strikes me that it sounds a lot like turner. i haven’t seen him play so i don’t know for sure though

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.

I appreciate Male Beauty

Intensive Purposes? I could care less...

by bross09 on Sep 21, 2010 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

I was just emailed the bottom link from One Entertainment Hoops, which films summer league games for prep school players. The second video above is a collection of Sam Thompson’s summer league highlights, and it’s definitely worth a watch.

by Tyler T. on Sep 20, 2010 4:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Evan?

From what I have seen, he reminds me more of Lighty.

by Mason Eagle on Oct 2, 2010 5:45 PM EDT reply actions  

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