By JAMES MADDEN & SAM LANCE
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA — Class of 2026 five-star Anthony Thompson is often regarded as one of the hardest players in the country to guard. At 6-foot-8, Thompson’s sheer athleticism and size has proved to be a matchup nightmare for about any team he faces.
Thompson, the No. 9 player in the 2026 class out of Western Reserve Academy (OH), has drawn interest from almost every power five program in the nation. He’ll spend his summer with Indiana Elite of the 3SSB circuit.
Thompson is a do-it-all “big guard” and prides himself on his shooting and defense.
“I can do a lot of things on the court,” Thompson told ZAGSBLOG. “I can handle the ball, shoot and get to the basket. Defensively, I feel like I can guard 1-5.”
Thompson said he models his game after two NBA players with very similar builds and skillsets: Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.
Several schools were in to see Thompson in Indiana Elite’s opening game in Council Bluffs, including Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, Ohio State, Texas and more. Specifically, Thompson drew head coaches Bruce Pearl (Auburn), Pat Kelsey (Louisville), Jake Diebler (Ohio State), Matt Painter (Purdue), Sean Miller (Texas) and Richard Pitino (Xavier). Thompson has already taken unofficial visits to a handful of schools including two separate visits to Kentucky. Mark Pope was in the building to watch Thompson on Saturday, but the five-star didn’t dress in a loss to Compton Magic.
Thompson talked about the schools he’s visited and updated his recruitment entering a crucial summer:
Kentucky: ” “I was able to go to a game against Florida and it was a really great atmosphere. It was really really cool to be in Rupp Arena and see that. And then obviously, spend time with coaches. Just be able to experience that.”
On Pope: “He’s done a really good job obviously. He’s probably one of the best coaches at this point in college basketball. He’s a really positive guy, really positive coach. Just kind of wants to best out of his players.”
Xavier: “[Richard Pitino] came to see me at my school and came to watch me play. Came to see me, kind of just introduced himself and the staff. Stuff like that.”
Texas: “I’ve known [Sean Miller] for a while now since he was at Xavier. So just kind of that continued relationship, him preaching to me how big of a priority I am for him and his program.”
Michigan: “In [Dusty May]’s first season he did a really good job. He’s obviously a really great coach, winning coach. Really good at developing his players. So again, just building a relationship with him. He came to see me as well. So just being able to see him as well, have him preach how big of a priority I am.”
Ohio State: “Coach [Jake] Diebler, I’ve known him for a while too. They’ve been in contact with me for a long time.” Thompson had a longer quote, but it was inaudible due to a loud buzzer sound.
Indiana: “Coach [Darian] DeVries reached out to me. I’ve started building a relationship with him and his staff. Obviously I’ve known the program, been around the program, the facilities and stuff like that. So I kind of know what Indiana is all about. But he’s been able to introduce himself and then I’ve introduced me to him as well.”
Purdue: “[Matt Painter’s] been really really high on me. And his staff, they’ve been really heavy on me and recruiting me. Being able to go there, just being able to preach their player development, their winning culture, I just want to be part of that.” Thompson plays with point guard and Purdue 2026 commit Luke Ertel.
Right now, Thompson doesn’t have any visits planned. He said he’ll likely take officials in the fall during football season. The five-star said he is looking for a program that will help him develop as a player and person. He is also looking to contribute right away and compete for a national championship.
Thompson has released a top-15 schools list that includes Auburn, BYU, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas and Xavier.
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