Barry Thompson Picks A School
Barry Thompson, a 6-7, 210 pound combination/small forward from Odessa J.C. in Odessa, Tex., has committed to Louisiana Tech.
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JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com spoke with both Thompson and Odessa Asst. Coach Matt Figger today, and they confirmed his intentions to sign this fall with the Bulldogs.
Thompson picked Tech after taking trips to both Louisiana Tech (Sept. 28-30) and Alabama-Birmingham (Oct. 13-15) this fall.
"I really liked the players -- they reminded me a lot of the players here at Odessa," Thompson said. "I felt like I was at home already within those two days on my trip. That was the difference."
A native of Racine, Wis., Thompson had attended the Winchendon School during the 1999-2000 school year, but wound up enrolling at Odessa last fall.
He enjoyed a terrific freshman season for the Wranglers, helping them reach the NJCAA Tournament after defeating Midland last March for the Region V crown.
Thompson averaged 12.9 points per game for Odessa last year, and was one of the top performers on a team littered with sophomore Division I prospects.
The Racine, Wis., native is hoping to once again lead the Wranglers to a Region V crown this winter, and he will have to shoulder much of the offensive burden early on while a bevy of newcomers learn the system.
But Thompson is ready for the challenge this year at Odessa and the following two years at Louisiana Tech.
"I saw a school that needed me and I could come in and play big minutes," Thompson said. "I mainly wanted to go to a school where I could help them, and that people could see that, rather than go to a school where we don't have a chance to make it to the tournament.
Odessa plans to sign early with Louisiana Tech, and JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com will keep you posted on his progress this season for the Wranglers.