November 26, 2007 - Jason Thompson - Mid-Majority.com's Baller of the Week / By: Kyle Whelliston

November 26, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Men’s College Basketball
Rider’s Thompson Mid-Majority.com's Baller of the Week
By: Kyle Whelliston

The Rider Broncs went 1-2 over the weekend at the Old Spice Classic in Orlando, but one of the top stories coming from that tourney was the performance of a certain 6-11 center, number 1 in maroon and a likely NBA pick. Fresh off a nationally televised showcase that lasted all weekend long, Jason Thompson is our third Mid-Majority Baller of the Week for the 2007-08 season.

On Thanksgiving Day in the opening round, Thompson asserted himself with a 24-and-15 double-double. The next day, he added 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Broncs' win over Big Ten squad Penn State. On Sunday, in the Broncs' consolation matchup with Kansas State, Rider lost by 13 but Thompson shot 9-for-14 for 24 points, nearly doubling the scoring output of K-State phenom Michael Beasley (13 points).

As he did last season, Thompson is averaging a double-double for the season: 20.8 points, and 11.3 rebounds. In addition to his two dub-dubs in Orlando, he unleashed a ferocious 23-and-21 performance on Delaware on Nov. 17. He's shooting an even 50 percent for the year, and is also averaging four blocks a game, tied for sixth in the nation.

Thompson has made no secret of his desire to play in the NBA, and his fallback position is ESPN sports anchor. He's even been taking the speech communication classes at Rider to polish his delivery, and he's already got it over Kenny Mayne in the looks department. For now, though, he's pulled the "Yahtzee!" of being named Mid-Majority Baller of the Week.