Elite programs in hot pursuit of Thompson

Tristan Thompson doesn't start for his high school team but he might just be the best prospect on the St. Benedicts roster. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound sophomore has all of the tools to be an elite level prospect in his class.

Most players with Thompson's ability are starting games and making an impact the minute the ball tips off. However, the Canadian native likes his trade off as his team's sixth man.

Thompson has a chance to sharpen his skill set against two of the best big men in the nation in Samardo Samuels and Greg Echenique. The trio forms one of, if not the best, frontcourt in the nation.

"It's a dream come true. Everyday in practice they help me, hit me, push me and make me better. It's all for the best. It is so key for my development," Thompson said. "At my other school, I didn't really have a chance to develop because everybody was smaller than me. Here, I have two guys that are over 250 (pounds) hitting you, pushing you and make you change the way you play. You have to go up stronger, finish harder and change everything.

"I enjoy being the spark off the bench. I want to help grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, scoring when I need to score. I'm learning but I'm trying to help in the ways that I'm capable of."

Thompson is capable of plenty. The fluid athlete has a long, active body that he uses to fly to the basket. He's a capable scorer and has found his groove as a rebounder on the nation's top team.

Nearly every high-major has taken notice. Thompson has a long list of suitors already in the process. Louisville, Texas, Duke, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Florida, Memphis, Connecticut, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Southern Cal, Kansas and others are keeping tabs, he says.

"Everyone is showing high interest," Thompson said. "I'm giving everyone an equal shot. It's still too early to trim the list down. I'm going to look at everyone equally."

There aren't too many sophomores with a list quite like Thompson's. He said that just fuels his fire to go harder each time out.

"It just motivates me to play harder. You can't just settle," Thompson said. "You have to work hard to keep everyone there and be the best you can be."

Thompson is far from being the best he can be. That is why so many of the elite programs are lining up already.