Anthony Thompson, the No. 9 overall player in the class of 2026, ended his summer on a high note at the Earn Your Stripes event, leaving no doubt why he’s one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.
The standout guard poured in 35 points in the championship game to lead Indiana Elite to the title, averaging 21.4 points and six rebounds per game over the course of the event. Thompson has been known for his elite three-point shooting, but he showed he’s far more than just a perimeter threat
by drilling over 48% from beyond the arc while also flashing a growing post game and the ability to score off the dribble.
According to 247 Sports’ Eric Bossi, Kentucky is one of the schools gaining the most buzz right now for Thompson, the others being the Indiana Hoosiers and Ohio State Buckeyes.
“While his school list is still at 15 schools, buzz in SoCal was that Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio State may be in the best position as he gets ready to start his final year at Hudson (Ohio) Western Reserve,” Bossi wrote.
The Wildcats first extended an offer during Big Blue Madness in October 2024, when Thompson made an unofficial visit to Lexington. He returned again in January 2025 to see Kentucky take on Florida, further solidifying an interest.
As he prepares for his final season at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, Thompson has trimmed his recruitment to seven schools: Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas, and North Carolina. However, based on Bossi’s reporting, it could be a three-team race in which Kentucky is still a contender.
Thompson’s recruitment is one of the most anticipated in the 2026 class, and he’s backing up the hype every time he takes the floor.
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