Thompson, following the worst offensive game of his college career, told CF.C on Saturday that he...

Thompson, following the worst offensive game of his college career, told CF.C on Saturday that he is no longer considering the possibility of making himself eligible for the NBA draft this summer.

"I’ll be here for sure," Thompson said after scoring a career-low two points in the Cougars win over USC at Friel Court. "I just don’t think I’m ready yet physically.

"Hopefully one day, whether that’s next year or (after) my senior year, I’ll have a chance to play at that level."

Guess we can put that one to rest.

almost 2 years ago Jeff Nusser 14 comments 0 recs |

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ZOMG!

CougCenter WSU's second main blog

by Craig Powers on Feb 21, 2010 9:29 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

Klay

Now that he has that future trip off his back, I hope that Klay can relax, have fun playing the game and finish the season strong. Go Cougs!

by PDXCoug on Feb 21, 2010 10:09 AM PST reply actions

In related news

I have also decided not to opt for the NBA draft.

My press conference was sparsely attended…

Witches of Eastman

by BigWood on Feb 21, 2010 10:27 AM PST reply actions 2 recs

However

if you are capable of averaging around 18 points 5 rebounds and 1.3 (roughly) steal per game AS A SOPHOMORE you are welcome to start any season in history for the Coug basketball program, BigWood.

Let’s not let the ludicrously high expectations heaped on this kid’s season by Coug fans erase the fact that it ranks as one of the best soph campaigns ever by a Cougar hoopster.

If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.

by hollyweirdcoug on Feb 21, 2010 11:32 AM PST up reply actions

I think it is important to look at what he has done in PAC-10 play. Remember he was nearly leading the nation in points before conference play. He is a tremendous talent, but his PAC-10 resume may temper the stats you posted above.

I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh

by HitKing69 on Feb 21, 2010 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

Nope.

The stats I posted include PAC 10 play. He is actually averaging 20 ppg- I wasn’t sure if the weekend had been added in yet to the data I read. But my point remains the same- this is the best sophomore season by a Coug in memory. In conference it is a very solid 16 points, 5 reb. 2 assist 1 steal- slightly under his season average in points only.

Let’s be clear- Klay never said he was leaving for the NBA. He was asked if he was, umpteen times this year. Yesterday he answered the question specifically and apparently that is fodder for some sardonic comments- when I feel like it is good news for Cougs. Having a kid mentioned in the same breath as NBA isn’t a common occurrence at WSU… especially a soph.

Folks want to blame Klay for losses; or chime in about his shooting %, which by the way, is very good for a jump shooter who rarely goes to the hole and fires a lot of treys (too many in PAC play is my major complaint about KT). I just think the reason the Cougs aren’t an elite squad has a lot more to do with a dearth of girth and talent in the paint that it does with guard play. Antoine Jamison went 0-12 in his Cav debut, it can happen to the best of shooters. If we had a secondary go to valve in the paint that took heat off the perimeter sometimes, I feel like things would be better by a considerable margin.

If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.

by hollyweirdcoug on Feb 21, 2010 12:52 PM PST up reply actions

Great post Hollyweird

I don’t know why some Coug fans want to come down hard on Thompson. He is one of the most talented players to play at WSU and is tired. There is a reason why there is a saying, “sophomore slump.” It happens a lot.

by Coug1990 on Feb 21, 2010 1:20 PM PST up reply actions

I was going to put together a fanpost about Klay being tired

But haven’t gotten around to it. And before people hop in and say “he’s a sophomore, he’s young, he shouldn’t get tired” let’s remember that Klay played an international schedule this summer. Extra practice, extra games, lots of travel. While that play has a lot to do with his increased performances, it also has something to do with his fatigue that I think is coming out now.

When I see Klay shoot at this point, it looks like he isn’t getting as much of his lower body in the shots. While it’s hard to judge watching only on TV, and only every few games when we make TV, it looks to me like Klay’s legs are simply not under him at this point. I think next year, after a normal summer to recover and build strength, he will be more consistent throughout the season without the late season drop off that has happened for his first two years.

by 02Coug on Feb 21, 2010 1:28 PM PST up reply actions