1/22/2014 football Edit

Interest rising in Thompson

Dan McDonald

Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Contributing National Analyst

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Recruiting is starting to pick up for Gardena (Ca.) Bishop Montgomery shooting guard Stephen Thompson. Many of the top basketball programs on the west coast are starting to take notice of his ability on the court, but there are also top academic schools around the country tracking him as well because of the work he's done in the classroom.

"I've been talking to Gonzaga, San Diego State, New Mexico, Arizona State, Vanderbilt, USC and a few others. All of those have offered," Thompson told Rivals.com. "I talk to all of them pretty regularly."

Southern Cal, located just minutes from his home, has been lucky enough to have Rivals150 prospect on campus twice in recent months.

"I've been to USC for a football game and a basketball game already," Thompson revealed. "The football game a lot of fun. It was nice. I like the campus. It's only about 15-20 minutes from my house."

Thompson also mentioned plans to visit San Diego State soon. The Aztecs have caught Thompson's eye early in the recruiting process.

"They have a very good team," Thompson said. "I like their playing style and they have a really nice campus. I like the coaching staff there. I talk to Coach (Justin) Hutson a lot."

Vandebilt searches the entire country trying to find talented basketball players that also stay on top of their academics. Thompson fits that mold.

"Vanderbilt is a good school with good academics as well," Thompson said. "They always have a good basketball team too. I talk to Coach Yanni (Hufnagel) a lot. He's a nice guy. He's funny and really energetic."

It doesn't appear that a decision will be coming any time soon for Thompson.

"I haven't really thought about when I'll make a decision on a school. It will probably be a while. I want to wait and see who else offers and then make the best decision for me. I want a good academic school and somewhere with an up-tempo offense," said 103rd ranked prospect in the Rivals150.

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