Prospect Profile

Strengths:

   * Great offensive rebounder
   * 7-foot-2 wingspan allows him to be a good shot blocker
   * Efficient scorer
   * Can handle the ball

Weaknesses:

   * Poor free throw shooter
   * Undersized for an NBA power forward
 

NBA projection:
Could be a lottery pick. He's going to be undersized versus some of the NBA power forward he'll face, but he can make up for it with his long arms, full-throttle approach to rebounding and his ability to put the ball on the floor and go past slower opponents.

2010-11 Season:
Thompson was a first-team freshman All-America pick and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds. He ranked second in the Big 12 in rebounding, and his 3.8 offensive rebounds per game led the league. He also paced the Big 12 in blocked shots.

Key statistics:
13.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 tpg, 1.0 spg, 2.4 bpg, 30.9 mpg, .546 FG, .000 3PT, .487 FT

Cool statistic:
Thompson grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in a Big 12 Tournament victory over Texas A&M.

Reminds me of:
Ed Davis

What Insiders Say:
Oakland coach Greg Kampe
"Well, he's athletic and long, and he poses problems. You know what he does, is he offensive rebounds, and he's a machine to that. I'll tell you a quick story. I have a dog, and every time my front doorbell rings, my dog runs to the front door. We open the door and it's never been for him. But every time that bell rings, he goes. That's how Tristan is on the offensive glass. Every time a shot goes up, he's going for it. That's why he's such a great offensive rebounder. I tell my players if I can get you to rebound like my dog goes to the door, we've got a chance to be good."

What Outsiders Say:
Arizona coach Sean Miller
"It's overwhelming as a coach that's getting ready to play against Texas to watch him offensive rebound. I think he's had as many as ten in a game. He might be the nation's best offensive rebounder."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.