WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The Taurean Thompson Sweepstakes is coming to a head.
The 6-foot-10 Thompson — a power forward ranked the No. 12 center in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports.com — plans to visit Michigan State beginning Sunday, according to Brewster (N.H.) Academy coach Jason Smith, and then decide between Michigan State, Syracuse and Seton Hall.
“Of course it ‘s a little frustating because I want to commit, too,” Thompson told me at the Frankie Williams Charity Classic at Archbishop Stepinac High School. “It means I gotta go on another visit and then I’ll commit right after.”
On Thursday, Thompson had said he wasn’t sure when the visit would take place.
“I don’t know yet,” he said. “We’re still making up a date, whenever everybody’s available.”
As for Seton Hall, the Pirates lost Isaiah Whitehead to the NBA Draft and then signed guard Eron Gordon, putting them at 13 scholarships.
“Seton Hall is local, my family could see me play,” said the New York native. “Everybody started summer session so I want to get it on. But I gotta be patient. I don’t want to make a rush decision because I don’t want to regret it in the end.”
Asked if Seton Hall had a ship for him, Thompson said, “Yes, I’m good wherever I go. They just said, I’m good, whenever I’m ready.”
In terms of Syracuse, assistant coach Adrian Autry is in regular touch.
“They just said whenever you’re ready,” Thompson said. “Everybody’s saying the same thing. Take your time with the process and just make the right decision.”
Syracuse, which has three scholarships to give, pitches that he could fit into the zone.
“They tell me with my length and athleticism I could fill in the gaps and stuff,” he said.
He added: “My family could see me play. It’s a historic school, good program.”
Meantime, Michigan State jumped in late but could end up landing the Brewster (N.H.) Academy forward.
“They came in late, but when I go over there I’ll see what they’re talking about,” he said.
He said he’s played against incoming forward Miles Bridges, but doesn’t know anyone else there.
“Coach [Tom] Izzo said he can’t wait to get me down to campus and meet me,” he said. “I don’t really know anybody down there. But they’re probably going to have a real good team next season, so why not give them a look?
Asked if distance was a factor in terms of the Big Ten school, he said it didn’t matter.
“Whatever’s right,” he said. “I mean, going away isn’t really a problem. I’ve always gone away to school so distance isn’t a problem. It’s just wherever I feel comfortable at.”
Asked if he would just sign scholarship papers since the late signing period ended, he said: “I don’t know how all that works, but I just know once I make my decision it’s going to be in June. Right after the visit, I don’t really have a [date].”
Is he frustrated how long this has taken?
“I want to commit,” he said. “I want to start college now.”
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