Anthony Thompson - SMU or Bradley?

[MrMustang1965]

Dave Telep
ScoutHoops.com Sep 21, 2006

This is the time of year where places like Bradley sneak in and nab those under the radar guys. While we aren’t saying Anthony Thompson is next Patrick O’Bryant but he at least resembles him physically. Thompson is down to a pair and the Braves are one of them.

Anthony Thompson, a 6-foot-10 center out of Houston (Tex.) Klein Forest, is down to Bradley and SMU.

The 185-pounder recently took an official visit – his first – to Bradley. “They got involved because Coach Les watched me a couple of times and liked the way I play,” Thompson said. “They say I fit their program and they wanted a big man who can run. Plus, they have a need for big guys because they lost Patrick O’Bryant.”

Lost O’Bryant? More like he got promoted to the big leagues and now there are some enormous shoes to fill.

SMU and Matt Doherty provide the competition. “I went on an unofficial there and they’re coming for a home visit (Thursday),” Thompson said.

At this stage in the ballgame, Bradley is the frontrunner. “I saw their campus and I really liked it. It’s not too big and too small. The classroom size is small and I can get more attention from my teachers. I like the coaches and the players.”

Despite being down to a pair of schools, Thompson’s situation could get a tad dicier. “I don’t know if I’m going to sign early but I know I’ll commit.” Trust us when we tell you that those are some scary words for the Braves and Mustangs to hear. The loose translation of prospect speak in that area means: I’m coming provided some of the big boys don’t offer me.

“I might (sign) but something else might pop open,” Thompson said “It’s a possibility that I sign in the November period.”

[PonyPride]

If he's as good as people say he is, this one case in which Coach Doherty needs to work his recruiting magic.
Go get him, Coach!

[NickSMU17]

Bradley campus blows....this should be an easy choice for a kid from houston.

[Corso]

Where is Bradley? Indiana, or some place?

Bring this kid up on a football game day, let him survey the Boulevard, and the decision is made!

[RGV Pony]

Where is Bradley? Indiana, or some place?

Bring this kid up on a football game day, let him survey the Boulevard, and the decision is made!

I mentioned it on the bball board...Peoria, IL. The place smells. Really.

[MrMustang1965]

Where is Bradley? Indiana, or some place?

Bring this kid up on a football game day, let him survey the Boulevard, and the decision is made!

I mentioned it on the bball board...Peoria, IL. The place smells. Really.

...which begs the age-old question "Will he play in Peoria?" (with apologies to vaudeville) If he'll play in Peoria, he'll play ANYWHERE!

[Water Pony]

Give the Midwest a break. Peoria is not Paris, but it would be my preference over many places on the prairie, including Lubbock, College Station, Waco, etc.

Besides Bradley has great BB tradition. That said, if Matt wants him, it is University Park.

[Hoop Fan]

I grew up in Illinois and Peoria is not completely horrible, but if we cant beat out Bradley for recruits from Houston, we got problems. The one thing Bradley has going for them is they are the only game in town and its a big town that likes basketball.

[abezontar]

Maybe he wants to get as far away from the folks as possible. Took my sister to Chicago.

[goponies1]

Anthony Thompson is ok at best. Mustangs have to get better than that. Ryan Harp is a good shooter. Not as good as Chad Elsey however. He is a good pick up because of the shooting problems this team has. Alex Malone has a chance to be a good player. He has good size and is athletic. Need a point guard in this class with Killen and Willingham being juniors. John Roberson would have been a good one. There was a rumor that Papa Dia from South Kent (CT) was high on SMU but apparently some of the big boys have come in (Louisville offer). He is a 6'8/235 wing from Senegal that is a good player.

SMU passed on Jonathan Slone, 6'8/235 from JJ Pearce, who now has an offer from Richmond of the A10.

[mustangnation]

committed to Bradley per Rivals

[abezontar]

must not like his folks very much

[smupony94]

Maybe he wants to get as far away from the folks as possible. Took my sister to Chicago.

What did you do to her in Chicago?

[abezontar]

sold her for some crack, I've been thinking of becoming a dealer, but you know, a nice one...like "hey guys, how's it going? You want some crack?"

[Corso]

Committed to Bradley