The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Thompson set to conclude prep career in Jordan Brand Classic
04.16.2010 | Men's Basketball
April 16, 2010
NEW YORK -- University of Texas signee Tristan Thompson will be one of 20 players to suit up in the ninth annual Jordan Brand Classic, presented by Foot Locker, on Saturday, April 17 at historic Madison Square Garden. Tip is slated for 7 p.m. Central (8 p.m. Eastern), and the game will be televised nationally by ESPN2.
Thompson, who will suit up for the 10-player West team, will become the eighth player in University of Texas history to participate in the prestigious all-star game. Previous Longhorns who have played in the contest which began in 2002 include: LaMarcus Aldridge (2004), Daniel Gibson (2004), Kevin Durant (2006), Gary Johnson (2007), Jai Lucas (2007), Avery Bradley (2009) and Jordan Hamilton (2009).
Thompson is ranked as the No. 10 high school prospect in the country in the latest ESPNU 100 national rankings (April 15). As a senior at Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), he averaged 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game and converted 60.9% from the floor (184-of-302) while leading Findlay to a 32-2 record.
Thompson has had a busy stretch in the last month leading up to Saturday's Jordan Brand Classic. On March 31, he posted eight points (4-of-7 FG) and five rebounds (three offensive) in 17 minutes off the bench to help the West team to a 107-104 win at the McDonald's All-American Game in Columbus, Ohio. Thompson then traveled to Baltimore to help lead Findlay to three wins in three days (April 1-3) to capture the prestigious ESPN Rise NHSI Championship. He had 15 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in Findlay's 59-46 over Montverde in the tourney championship game and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Thompson also participated for the World Select Team in the 13th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 10 in Portland, Ore. He started and recorded 14 points (5-of-6 FG, 4-of-4 FT), two rebounds, one block and one steal in 24 minutes during the World Select Team's 101-97 loss to the USA Junior National Select Team.
