Wednesday, Jun 18, 2014
Jason and Ryan Thompson will return to their alma mater June 18 for a Celebrity Showcase at the Special Olympics USA Games
by Rider Sports Information
A pair of Rider University professional basketball alums, brothers Jason and Ryan Thompson, will return to their alma mater Wednesday evening for a Celebrity Showcase at the Special Olympics USA Games.
Jason ‘08, of the NBA Sacramento Kings, and Ryan ’10, who recently won a championship playing professionally in Belgium, will be playing again in Rider’s Alumni Gymnasium Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m.
The Thompson brothers combined for 3,919 points and 1,905 rebounds at Rider. Jason is the career leader in rebounds and graduated second in career scoring. Ryan graduated third in scoring, eighth in rebounding and seventh in assists, the only Bronc in the top eight in all three categories.
Jason has played in 460 NBA games and has compiled more than 4,500 points and 3,200 rebounds, shooting 50 percent from the field for his professional career.
Ryan has played in the NBA D League (Utah) and in Italy before playing in Belgium, first for Aalstar and currently for the champion Oostende squad.
The Thompsons hail from Mt. Laurel, N.J., and attended Lenape High School.
Admission is free to the Celebrity Showcase.
For the first time in its history, the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games is being held in New Jersey at sites throughout Mercer County, including Rider. Nearly 3,500 athletes have traveled to the Garden State from all over the country to complete in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an anticipated 70,000 spectators.
Several of the sporting competitions for this year’s Special Olympics USA Games are taking place at Rider through June 21, including men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. Additionally, approximately half of all the athletes from across the country will also be housed at the University.
All of the Special Olympics happenings are free and open to the public. Events will be taking place from approximately 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each week day.
To view a full listing of events or for more information, visit the Special Olympics website at www.2014specialolympics.org.