Anthony Thompson
Ohio State
Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
There's something different about watching a 6-8 forward who moves like a guard but thinks like a veteran. When most players his size are still figuring out their feet, this kid is already reading defenses two possessions ahead.
Background
Lebanon, Ohio isn't exactly a basketball hotbed, but Anthony Thompson has put the small town on the recruiting map. The 2026 forward made the jump from his local high school to Western Reserve Academy, a move that's paying dividends for his development. Playing alongside fellow 2026 forward Breylon Webb, Thompson gets to compete against elite prep competition daily. The AAU circuit has been kind to him, giving college coaches plenty of opportunities to see his versatility on display.
Playing Style
Thompson plays the game at his own pace, which happens to be the right pace most of the time. He's not the fastest player on the court, but his court vision and basketball IQ allow him to stay ahead of the action. Defensively, he uses his length and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes without gambling too much. His feel for the game shows up in transition where he fills lanes intelligently and finds teammates with crisp outlet passes. What separates him from other forwards is his ability to initiate offense from multiple spots on the floor. He's comfortable bringing the ball up in transition and can run point forward sets without looking forced or mechanical.
Strengths
The basketball IQ jumps off the tape immediately - Thompson reads defenses like a coach's son and makes the right play consistently. His passing ability is genuinely special for a forward, finding cutters and shooters with timing that can't be taught. At 6-8, he has legitimate size that translates to both forward spots, but his handle and court vision give him positional flexibility that college coaches covet. His shooting stroke looks smooth and repeatable, though the consistency will determine how much he can stretch defenses at the next level.
Areas to Watch
The athleticism concerns are real - Thompson will need to add strength and explosion to compete with high-major forwards. His shot selection can be questionable at times, settling for contested jumpers when better options exist. Developing a more consistent three-point shot would unlock another dimension to his game and make him even more valuable as a floor-spacer.
Player Comparison
Think a young Gordon Hayward with better passing instincts. Both players share that smooth, cerebral approach to the game with similar size and skill sets. Like Hayward, Thompson has the basketball IQ to play multiple positions and the passing ability to create for others, though he'll need to develop more athleticism to reach that ceiling.
Recruitment
Thompson locked up his commitment to Ohio State early, choosing the Buckeyes over a loaded offer sheet that includes North Carolina, Michigan, Kentucky, and Texas. That's the kind of offer list that validates his top-10 ranking in the 2026 class. Ohio State beat out some heavy hitters by getting in early and showing him a clear path to playing time. His relationship with the coaching staff and proximity to home likely played major factors in the decision.
Projection
At Ohio State, Thompson projects as a versatile forward who can play the three or four depending on matchups. His ceiling is as a multi-year starter who stuffs the stat sheet without being the primary scorer. The NBA conversation will depend heavily on how much his athleticism develops, but his feel for the game and positional flexibility give him a solid foundation to build on.
Updated Apr 9, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Ohio State
COLLEGE
Western Reserve Academy
PREP SCHOOL
Adidas 3SSB
AAU
Career Highlights
The first 5⭐️ Ohio State commit since D'Angelo Russell in 2014
Anthony Thompson led all scorers with 43 points in Western Reserve's 92-77 win over AOA Prep
Excited to announce I have joined the @adidasbasketball family!
5⭐️ Anthony Thompson makes it look easy
Anthony Thompson has been the best prospect here. Gets his shot whenever he wants, gotten much bouncier in last year, ambidextrous around rim
Naismith Boys' High School POY Watch List selection newest Ohio State recruit, Anthony Thompson, dominated at the National Prep Showcase
Offers
8
Ohio State
Signed
Chose Ohio State over 7 other offers
North Carolina
Michigan
Indiana
Texas
KentuckyOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Highlights
Social Activity
Anthony Thompson displayed his budding two-way skillset at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp. The 6’8” southpaw, who just turned 17 last week, possesses a coveted mix of shooting and length with his 7’3” wingspan. Won the camp’s 3PT shooting competition (HS + College). https://t.co/c6kdIdMgkP
6’8 5⭐ Anthony Thompson is due for a big season at Western Reserve Academy (OH) 😤🔥 https://t.co/kFGlAJb6XI
Breaking: Five-star senior Anthony Thompson tells ESPN that he has committed to Ohio State. “The staff made me a priority. I know I can rely on coach Jake Diebler to help me grow and reach the next level,” Thompson said. High-level 6-8 shotmaker, ranked No. 13 in SC Next 100. https://t.co/deiD5dR2zU
Five-star senior Anthony Thompson has committed to Ohio State, becoming the Buckeyes' highest-ranked men's basketball recruit in more than a decade. Story with @jeffborzello. https://t.co/bctZRsM9nc https://t.co/SDxeUrCHNT
The first 5⭐️ Ohio State commit since D’Angelo Russell in 2014 🔥👀 @ant_thompson26 Top-15 ranked 5⭐️ Anthony Thompson — the #1 player in Ohio — is a bucket! 🚨😤 https://t.co/FoLCyNbCNW