WNCCs Thompson Has Pair of Trips
Ryan Thompson, a 6-6, 210 pound swingman/small forward from Western Nebraska C.C. in Scottsbluff, Neb., will take a pair of official visits next week.
JUCO Junction spoke with WNCC Head Coach Trace Bevell on Tuesday night, and he told us that Thompson will visit UConn from Apr. 22-24 and Hawaii from Apr. 25-27. Illinois has also expressed some interest in the native of Gold Coast, Australia, this spring.
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"He hasn't verbally committed yet," Bevell said. "UConn is a great program, and there certainly is a chance of that happening, but he wants to look at some campuses first."
Thompson capped a terrific sophomore campaign last month by leading the Cougars to the NJCAA Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.
He averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and two assists per game this past season at WNCC. He shot 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from beyond the three point arc for the Cougars, who finished 29-7 after losing a pair of games at the NJCAA Tournament.
"He's a big wing with a good looking body and shot," Bevell explained. "He can make jump shots and score, plus he has a knack for making the first pass that leads to a basket. He does things that don't stick out in the stats -- he understands the game and is a good basketball player."
JUCO Junction had the opportunity to scout Thompson last month at the NJCAA Tournament. A left hander with good size, he showed the ability to hit jumpers both off the dribble and stationary (catch and shoot). Thanks to his height, he seemingly always gets a good look at the basket.
"One thing that Ryan will need to do is develop more intensity, and I think playing against good competition every day, he will develop that," Bevell said.
Thompson plans on deciding during the late signing period, which kicks off today and runs through next month. JUCO Junction will keep you posted on his situation, and when a decision is reached, we'll let you know.