Thompson comments on commitment

After his explosion during the month of July, Deon Thompson headed into the fall with a number of options. In the end it came down to Kentucky and North Carolina, and Carolina blue was the shade Thompson chose.

"Well, the main reason I chose North Carolina was Coach Williams," said Thompson, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound power forward from Torrance (Calif.) High School. "I also like Coach Smith. They're both really good coaches and people. Both programs are good and have open ended playing time for me. I can't really explain it, but it was just a gut feeling I got when I talked with Coach Williams."

As to the development of his game which reached a crescendo during the July evaluation period, Thompson cited confidence, desire and weight loss.

"I just got more confident and started wanting it more and more," said Thompson. "Losing weight also had a lot to do with it also. Two summers ago I was up to 295-pounds, and I just decided to do what I had to do to lose it."

Thompson, who is the No. 69 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks per game as a junior.

Deon Thompson scouting report:

A wide bodied post player, Thompson does most of his damage around the basket. With quick feet and soft hands, Thompson is able to score going to either shoulder with his back to the basket. He appears destined to be a double-double impact player on the high major level.