A Promising Path
Anthony Thompson, a 6‑foot‑7 forward from Lebanon, Ohio, has committed to Ohio State University, bringing with him the highest recruiting pedigree the program has seen since Jared Sullinger in 2010. Ranked No. 7 in his class by 247Sports.com, Thompson is also the first McDonald’s All‑American to sign with the Buckeyes directly out of high school since D’Angelo Russell.
This summer, Thompson will test himself against the nation’s elite at the 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team training camp. The camp, held at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, will feature 35 prospects competing for a coveted spot on the 12‑player roster that will later contest the FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, from June 1‑7, 2026.
Thompson’s participation marks his third stint with a USA Basketball junior national team, having previously attended two minicamps in 2025. The experience adds a layer of international exposure as he prepares to transition from prep stardom at Hudson’s Western Reserve Academy to the collegiate stage.
The upcoming AmeriCup tournament will not only showcase Thompson’s talents on a global stage but also serve as a crucial evaluation point for USA Basketball’s future senior prospects. Coaches will scrutinize his performance in Mexico, where the competition promises to be fierce.
For Ohio State, securing Thompson’s signature is more than a recruiting coup; it signals a new era of ambition for the program. As the Buckeyes look to rebuild around fresh talent, Thompson’s arrival could reshape the team’s dynamics and fan expectations alike.
Looking Ahead
With the training camp on the horizon and the AmeriCup looming, Thompson’s journey from Ohio’s high school courts to the international arena reflects a broader narrative of American basketball’s rising stars. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he takes the next steps toward his collegiate debut.