Blair Thompson, a Columbia University senior and longtime standout for the Lions, has taken the next step in his basketball journey by signing a professional contract with the Leicester Riders of Great Britain's Super League Basketball. The move follows a senior season in which Thompson averaged 11.4 points per game and helped the Lions secure a series of program milestones.
A milestone career at Columbia
During his final season, Thompson recorded his 500th career rebound on January 24, 2026, becoming the first Lion to reach that mark since the 2012‑13 campaign. He also amassed 108 steals, ranking eighth in program history, and finished tied for ninth in games played with 108 appearances. His 500 rebounds and 108 steals place him among an elite group of Columbia players, second only to Gary Raimondo '99CC in that particular combination.
Thompson's contributions extended beyond the stat sheet. He posted a double‑double of 11 points and 10 rebounds on November 21, 2025, at Lehigh, and erupted for a career‑high 26 points on January 5, 2026, at Cornell, shooting a perfect 12‑of‑12 from the free‑throw line. The following month, he earned Academic All‑Ivy League honors, underscoring his balance of athletics and scholarship.
A historic club in British basketball
The Leicester Riders are one of the most decorated teams in British basketball, boasting 19 league titles and a reputation for sustained excellence over the past decade. As a top‑tier franchise in the Super League, the Riders provide Thompson with a platform to showcase his talents on an international stage while contributing to a legacy of winning.
Thompson's transition from Ivy League competition to the British professional ranks reflects both his individual achievements and the growing pathway for collegiate players to pursue careers abroad. With his blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, he joins a roster that expects to contend for titles once again.