James Thompson - 6'9" 215 PF - 2014

[ipull4usc]

I'm ecstatic we finally got a post player. I know nothing about Thompson, as his commitment seemingly came out of nowhere. His purported offers are solid (if legit), the highlight vids I saw were somewhat underwhelming, but it finally appears we're at least trying to find somebody to improve our anemic post play. Hopefully Thompson helps in that regard.

[TwoNotch Dreams]

Originally Posted by HeadCockFan

how much longer can we recruit on the fringe and expect to get anywhere against UK or UF?

Uh, what other route would you suggest? 5-star basketball recruits aren't committing to South Carolina's Men's program, unless they're maybe from the state.

Kentucky and Florida are two of the premier programs not just in the SEC, but in all of College Basketball. They're staples of the Div. 1 and it's asking a lot to recruit better than them. Our best bet is to find players who fit the system, fly under the radar and hope that we can maximize Frank's plan.

[ConwayGamecock]

All we need to do is get to the point where we're having winning seasons, and the recruits will start coming to us....

[Travelin]

Originally Posted by TwoNotch Dreams

Uh, what other route would you suggest? 5-star basketball recruits aren't committing to South Carolina's Men's program, unless they're maybe from the state.

Kentucky and Florida are two of the premier programs not just in the SEC, but in all of College Basketball. They're staples of the Div. 1 and it's asking a lot to recruit better than them. Our best bet is to find players who fit the system, fly under the radar and hope that we can maximize Frank's plan.

I don't understand why some fans think we can recruit like top 10 programs. We have been below average for a long time. We are doing better than I expected right now with Frank as the coach for only two years. Take into consideration he overhauled the roster, and the quality of players he's bringing in is getting better and better. Just think what kind of players he can recruit if we win a NCAA Tourney game, or two!! We make a run to the sweet 16 and we'll be getting a McDonald's All American each year or two.

[Cockhornleghorn]

I hate all the bickering on this thread. Thompson is a Gamecock and I welcome him to Columbia. He has a nice offer list and he was the number 2 player in Louisiana this year. I hope we have room for House, also.

[Travelin]

Originally Posted by Cockhornleghorn

I hate all the bickering on this thread. Thompson is a Gamecock and I welcome him to Columbia. He has a nice offer list and he was the number 2 player in Louisiana this year. I hope we have room for House, also.

Just speculating, but I wouldn't be surprised if Frank took House and Carter if they want to come here. Scholarships aren't renewed until July 1rst. Whether we like it or not, a scholly is for a year. I hope they both come to USC. I think they would be an upgrade to some others currently on the roster. Maybe James took House's spot and the jury is still out on Carter...

[qcgamecock]

Originally Posted by TwoNotch Dreams

Uh, what other route would you suggest? 5-star basketball recruits aren't committing to South Carolina's Men's program, unless they're maybe from the state.

Kentucky and Florida are two of the premier programs not just in the SEC, but in all of College Basketball. They're staples of the Div. 1 and it's asking a lot to recruit better than them. Our best bet is to find players who fit the system, fly under the radar and hope that we can maximize Frank's plan.

We have to let a coach stay for more than 4-5 years to build a program, relationships with high school coaches and players in order to maximize our recruiting. Coach Martin has connections all over the country and will bring some great classes to CCA as he has already proven with Thornwell, Stroman...

[garnet_black215]

Good size, but he obviously needs to add a few pounds. Can't have too many big guys, and we need those right now. We have a good group of young guards, and getting big post players to fill out the roster would be pretty solid. Hopefully he qualifies.

[HeadCockFan]

Originally Posted by TwoNotch Dreams

Uh, what other route would you suggest? 5-star basketball recruits aren't committing to South Carolina's Men's program, unless they're maybe from the state.

Kentucky and Florida are two of the premier programs not just in the SEC, but in all of College Basketball. They're staples of the Div. 1 and it's asking a lot to recruit better than them. Our best bet is to find players who fit the system, fly under the radar and hope that we can maximize Frank's plan.

I added an 'edit' to my post, pulling back from that statement somewhat.

I know we aren't going to get as good of players as those 2 schools. It does seem bleak though comparing classes...

[CockyLifer]

We are gonna compete with UF and UK again very soon. We all need to get behind Frank and show him he is appreciated and you guys will see.

[b381l]

What's the difference between Thompson and Henry...same size.

[qcgamecock]

Originally Posted by b381l

What's the difference between Thompson and Henry...same size.

One is older than the other. One is from FL the other from LA.

[Cockypantherfan]

Originally Posted by CockyLifer

We are gonna compete with UF and UK again very soon. We all need to get behind Frank and show him he is appreciated and you guys will see.

Appreciation doesn't put the ball in the basket.

[USC-Hokie]

I think, all things considered our team is in a great spot. Frank's first season, with the talent he had was a MAJOR success! He won 14 games with mid to low major talent. Last year he won 14 games with mostly underclassmen. The team now has an identity with a potential NBA talent in Thornwell and an All-SEC type talent in Notice, which did I add are only going to be Sophomore's?

I like Martin's recruiting style in that he recruits tough, long, athletic kids that fit his system. With wins comes recruits(see South Carolina football and baseball) and we will get them soon. As fans we need to be realisitic and strive for NIT next year and possibly even the year after that. If we get to the tournament, GREAT, but on paper we are not there.

That said, Thompson will do!

[USCBASEBALL1]

Originally Posted by b381l

What's the difference between Thompson and Henry...same size.

I would say Thompson is slightly bigger framed than Henry but not much. I hope folks aren't giving up on Henry yet as his best days are ahead of him. I expect Henry to make huge strides this year. Carolina Basketball at best is a 4 or 5 year fix. With that said I think Frank knows what he's doing and like Staley has a plan that in time will make USC Basketball prominent.

[Mt. Lattimore]

Warm body, I guess

[Ace Dilcock]

I think Thompson is more than a warm body, even if he might be a bit of a project. He has length and coordination and the strength will come once he gets in a good strength and conditioning program. Henry was considered too skinny to contribute last year, but he put on enough weight after he got on campus to play right away. I am more concerned about Thompson's shooting - he needs to have a FT percentage about fifty percentage points better than Henry to help.

[Jwilson]

Originally Posted by TwoNotch Dreams

Uh, what other route would you suggest? 5-star basketball recruits aren't committing to South Carolina's Men's program, unless they're maybe from the state.

Kentucky and Florida are two of the premier programs not just in the SEC, but in all of College Basketball. They're staples of the Div. 1 and it's asking a lot to recruit better than them. Our best bet is to find players who fit the system, fly under the radar and hope that we can maximize Frank's plan.

Just to illustrate your point, Donavan took over Florida in 1996. He's been there going on 18 years. It was his 2006, 2007 teams that won the NT. At that point, he had been there 10 years.

[qcgamecock]

Originally Posted by Mt. Lattimore

Warm body, I guess

With fans like you behind the basketball team and its players who needs taters?

[davidmc467]

Originally Posted by Jwilson

Just to illustrate your point, Donavan took over Florida in 1996. He's been there going on 18 years. It was his 2006, 2007 teams that won the NT. At that point, he had been there 10 years.

Not a great comparison.

Billy Donovan had Florida in the Sweet 16 in his 3rd season, the '98-'99 season.