Jason Thompson: NBA Draft Profile

College: Rider

Class: Senior

Position: PF/C

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 250bs

Accolades:  MAAC Player of the Year (08), MAAC Defensive Player of the Year (08), First Team All-MAAC (08), First Team Mid-Major All-American – CHN (08), First Team All-MAAC (07), MAAC Defensive Player of the Year (07), Second Team All-MAAC (06), MAAC All-Rookie Team (05).  

Scouting Report:  A big player, literally and figuratively, from a small conference.

Strengths:  NBA size and length.  Very athletic for a man his size.  Nice looking jump shot.  Good range on his jumper – can step out and hit college three-pointers.  Good ball handler for his size – used to be a guard – late growth spurt.  Decent post moves.  Can put the ball on the floor and beat his man.  Capable of explosive point and board games.  Great shot-blocker.

Weaknesses:  Played in a small conference – didn’t go up against NBA-level talent every night.  Will be a big adjustment stepping up to the NBA.  Can he guard bigger, stronger NBA post players?  Free throw shooting touch took a real dive his senior year.  Turnover prone.  Needs to get a bit smoother with his post moves.

Projected 2008 Draft Range:  Mid first round to early second round pick. 

Consensus:  Players with Thompson’s size and ability don’t come out of the MAAC very often.  While he will still be a work in progress due to the lower level of competition he played against, he could turn out to be a solid pro.

Stats: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=23138

CHN's Six-Star Ranking System

= Superstar/All-NBA Potential

= Potential NBA All-Star

= Consistent NBA Starter

= 6th Man/Fringe Starter

= Career Reserve

= Fringe NBA Player/12th Man

0 stars = Life in the Minor Leagues