Ryan Thompson Interview

Ryan Thompson is a versatile wing whose brother (Jason Thompson) plays with the Kings having a succesful rookie season, now his brother dreams of joining him in the NBA. He's putting up excellent numbers (32 games: 18.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3Pts: 42.2%, FT: 77.3%). This was his first season since high school playing without his brother at his side but he led Rider to a solid season.

Ryan ThompsonNBADraft.net -- Hello, how you doing Ryan, thanks for giving us this interview and congratulations to you for your success with Rider...

Last season was the first season that you didn't have the company of your older brother Jason Thompson who left for the NBA with the Sacramento Kings. What was the adjustment like becoming the leader at Rider, and what did you feel about this past season?

Ryan Thompson: It was alot different playing without my brother especially because he was our go to guy when he was here and I was the main guy when he left. So basically I had to do alot of scoring and also be a leader for my teammates.

It was also an adjustment for me when i changed my position to point guard. I felt that we had a good year last year and alot of our guys stepped up but it was tough that we lost in double overtime in the semi finals.

NBADraft.net: For the people that don't know your style of game, play scout for us and let people know what defines your game and what you think you need to develop this offseason?

Ryan Thompson: Well I am a 6'6 point guard that can handle the ball and shoot the ball well. I am also a very good at driving to the basket and getting to the foul line.

But if I had to say I needed to work on something, it would be dribbling the ball alot better and being more comfortable with the ball

NBADraft.net: What do you think you and Rider can do next season?

Ryan Thompson: I think we have a great team and have a good chance in making it to the NCAA tournament.

NBADraft.net: Lets talk about what you feel about your brother in the NBA, he is proud of you and you are proud of him, you two seem to have a great relationship, how did it help you growing up playing against him?

Ryan Thompson: Yeah we have a great relationship and he had a great year this year, when we were younger we were always competitive with each other and i feel that helped us in the long run because we are both competitive players.

NBADraft.net : Do you think you're NBA material and you can play in the NBA like your brother?

Ryan Thompson: Yes I feel that I am NBA material and I do think I will be able to be in next years draft. I just have to work real hard this offseason and improve my game to play at the next level.

NBADraft.net: What has your brother Jason Thompson (Sacramento Kings) told you about the experience, atmosphere and competition level of playing in the NBA? Has he told you that you can make it in the league and compete with the best?

Ryan Thompson: He told me the competition is great and you just have to work hard and get better every year. He also told me that I have a good chance of being able to get drafted and compete with the best.

NBADraft.net: Do you feel you could be in this year's draft with so many guards being drafted?

Ryan Thompson: Some people say I should have tested the waters and seen what would have happened but I think I needed to wait and use my senior year to improve my game so that I am ready for next year.

NBADraft.net: What are your plans for this offseason in terms of improving your game and preparing for next season?

Jason Thompson: Early in the summer I was at school working out with my team every day and now I am attending the Paul Pierce Skills Academy and Lebron James Skills Academy where I get to play with and compete with the top ranked guys in the country and see where I stand, and also have the opportunity to play in front of NBA scouts evaluating me.

Thanks to Ryan Thompson for this exclusive interview!