Thompson makes the World University Games Team
Deon Thompson
As I had talked about a while back, Deon Thompson was trying out for the 2009 Men’s World University Games Team. I am now glad to report that after a three day work out the forward (and only returning starter from a national title team) from Chapel Hill will be among the twelve players team that will reppresent the United States at this year’s games July 2-11 in Belgrade, Serbia. The team will be coached by Bo Ryan (HC at Wisconsin), while the selection committee was headed by Jim Boeheim (HC at Syracuse) and included Carolina’s Roy Williams, as well as other head coaches from Division I. From an article on the official site of USA Basketball I found this quote from coach Boeheim:
“It was one of the most difficult decisions we as a committee have had because the team is so balanced,” Boeheim said. “It’s probably one of the better groups of wing players we have had and all the guys are great players. It looks to be one of our most competitive teams for the World University Games. We have good shooters and athletic wing guys, which gives this team a good chance to compete.”
While head coach Bo Ryan said this of the players:
“First of all, all 16 players at trials are very good players,” Ryan said. “Everybody that competed worked very hard against one another at a very high level. The toughest part was getting down to the 12 players. I don’t want to take anything away from the guys who didn’t make it, but the 12 who are on the final list are the ones that if you look at the overall picture — offense, defense, rebounding, things like that — this was the 12 that stood out. I thought the selection committee did a very good job of evaluating.”
It sound to me that this could be an excellent opportunity for Deon Thompson, one that is going to benefit both him and North Carolina. Next year’s team will need a leader in the paint as the talented freshmen develop. Well, for the power forward next year is now, he is the only player on this team that has any experience playing on a USA Basketball team (2007 USA U19 World Championship Team that finished 8-1 and claimed the silver medal. 10.0 ppg. (3rd), 6.3 rpg. (1st) and 13 blocked shots), so he could definitely take on the role of leader on this team, and then do the same for his squad under head coach Roy Williams.
(On a side note, was I the only one that thought the quote by head coach Bo Ryan was a bit harsh towards the four players that did not make the team? I would not have said what the coach did about the 12 making it standing out, but I guess that is why I blog and he coaches at a Division I school)
I mean, let’s face it, playing at this level of competition, with the pressure that comes from wanting the gold, is only going to help Thompson develop. I am of the opinion, which is probably in the minority, that Thompson has always shied away from becoming the dominant player because in the back of his mind he knew that there was Tyler Hansbrough next to him. Now, in the upcoming season that luxury won’t be there, and I firmly believe that the power forward from Torrance (CA) will step up in a way few thought possible.
Some wondered why Deon didn’t put his name in the hat to “test the waters” this past summer. Now we know why and I think it was an excellent idea. By working out with the pro’s he might have gotten some looks and some individual/group training, by playing on the USA team he is going to get a lot of intense practice and plenty of playing time. In my opinion he definitely made the right (and smart) decision.
The group now will work out a couple of more days and then head to Serbia. As more details and info become available I will definitely post them. And as I do with all the Tar Heels, let me wish Deon (and the rest of the team of course) all the best as they try to bring home the gold.
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