Derek Thompson is a six-foot-five-inch 2027 forward from East Ridge that played with Minnesota Fury Sabin. Thompson is a strong front-court player and very active on offense and defense. Thompson showcased himself as a better beyond the arc shooter with Fury Sabin and with his quickness he can be a match-up problem on the perimeter for slower footed forwards.

Offer: St. John’s University, Hamline

Derek Thompson Derek Thompson 6'5" | SF/PF East Ridge | 2027 State MN is an athletic, tough, and productive four man at 6’5 that really had a standout season for the Minnesota Fury this 17u year. The East Ridge forward is also a top talent coming back for the Raptors that will play college basketball. With Stout and Eau Claire east of him on 94 East, and River Falls not that far away, I could see WIAC schools following Thompson close.

Derek had some nice moments on Saturday night with his Minnesota Fury team. At 6’5 he has a strong frame and an imposing wing-span that helps him control the glass, and allows him to defend a number of spots. He’s comfortable defending on the block against size, and can also step out onto the wing and use his length to get up in passing lanes. When I’ve seen him in the past he was mostly a rebounder and clean-up finisher inside, but he showed flashes of an expanded offensive game. Derek stepped out to hit an open three, and shortly after drove in from the wing and finished with touch over the top of a defender.

Derek is a physical power forward who plays a bit bigger than his size in the paint. Running with Minnesota Heat , the East Ridge prospect was dominant on the glass, pulling in rebounds in bunches on both ends of the floor. Derek had a nice high-low assist, dribbled into a pull-up jumper from mid-range, and was setting hard screens to free up his guards throughout the game. Defensively he can defend bigger than his size because he has the strength to hold his ground on the block.

Thompson is a major threat inside the lane and a clear mismatch against teams without strong post players. He’s aggressive and strong inside the lane. A true post player who plays with his back to the basket and is able to convert with or without a dribble. He pulled defenders inside that helped Minnesota Heat guards get open shots around the perimeter.

Thompson is a strong shot-blocker and a proactive rebounder who quickly looks for outlet passes to initiate fast breaks. In transition, he confidently connected on a pull-up jumper and effectively blocked shots on the roll man. On the offensive glass, Thompson excelled at snatching rebounds and he scrappily rewarded himself with second-chance points. He absorbed contact well around the rim and consistently followed up on missed shots. His energetic hustle was well noticed versus Illinois Bears Black.