Prospect Spotlight: Charles Thompson (2019)
It’s hard to believe Charles Thompson has been playing competitive basketball for just four years. The 6’8 sophomore is coming off a very strong campaign at St. Stephens St. Agnes, and was an important piece for 16U Team Takeover in their Championship during EYBL Session 1 in Hampton last weekend.
“Well I really didn’t like basketball at first,” said Thompson, who has grown two inches since his freshman year. “My father wanted me to try different things, but I started in middle school and have been playing since.
Thompson is an athletic, very versatile and long-limbed big man with a broad frame. He has big hands, and is a very good rebounder with a high motor. One thing we liked about Thompson is how well he sees the floor and passes from his position.
“My court awareness,” said Thompson when asked what the most improved aspect of his game was over the last twelve months. “Looking to get my teammates open. Looking to find them, looking to feed them. Get them going.”
Thompson’s father, Tony “Tiger” Thompson, is a retired heavyweight boxer. To say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree might be an understatement. We expect Thompson to continue to improve, and he also knows what he would like to work on next.
“I need to work on being aggressive, and my scoring,” Thompson stated.
Coaches from Team Takeover have worked with Thompson on his communication skills while on the court, and he believes that might be one of the most underrated aspects of his game. What can the hard working sophomore bring to a college program?
“Communication. Defense, and probably good passing.”