The excitement and drama of the NCAA Tournament is just around the corner. Among those eagerly awaiting the tip-off is former Kansas University standout player Calvin Thompson, who shared his thoughts on the tournament with The Community Voice.
Thompson, a graduate of Wyandotte High School in KCK, played for the Jayhawks from 1982 to 1986. He etched his name in Kansas basketball history, setting KU records for consecutive free throws made, and was named to the All-Big Eight team in multiple seasons.
After playing in a Final Four, Thompson transitioned to a successful nine-year stint in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and overseas. He then coached in the semi-pro leagues and currently serves as the owner & manager of the KC Sizzlers and oversees the Junior Sizzlers sports and education program for underprivileged youth.
As March Madness approaches, Thompson says he still likes his Jayhawks despite a challenging season — by Kansas’ high standards. He says some injury issues and a short bench have hurt KU, but he remains optimistic.
“Kansas are still the champs until they aren’t,” says Thompson. “We’ll find out in March.”
While Thompson’s loyalty lies with Kansas, he’s quick to acknowledge some other formidable contenders. Thompson likes what he sees with the University of Connecticut but says Houston, in particular, has caught his eye with their strength and camaraderie on the court.
“Houston seems to enjoy each other,” says Thompson. “A lot of teams that have a lot of good players don’t like each other sometimes. It shows up in big games, it shows on the road especially when it’s tight and the environments tough. They just seem like they care about one another, which makes a huge difference when you’re battling.”
Thompson also identified fellow Big 12 team Iowa State as a dark horse to watch, saying the Cyclones have the potential to make a deep tournament run.
“I like them as a tournament team,” he remarks. “Their fans travel well, and that makes a big difference.”
Thompson says he doesn’t regularly fill out a bracket — with the exception of a couple of times with his daughter when she was in grade school — but shared his thoughts on the types of teams that do well in the Big Dance.
“Whoever’s the healthiest and luckiest in March,” says Thompson, “that’s who’s going to end up winning.”
Thompson admits he may be a touch biased but says his pick for national champion is the Kansas Jayhawks.
“The tournament is a new season, and I wouldn’t want to go to bat with anybody but Coach Self,” says Thompson.
Check out the KC Sizzlers online at kcsizzlers.org
