Generally speaking the majority of parents have big expectations for their kids. With this comes the pressure to perform and succeed. No one knows this better than Mychel Thompson sophomore basketball player and son of 12-year NBA veteran Mychal Thompson. Growing up Mychel lived and breathed basketball and hoped that one day he could be playing for a Division 1 school. Following a somewhat stressful recruiting process he decided to play at Pepperdine in an attempt to help revitalize the program and lead the Waves back to the NCAA Tournament.
1. How did you get your start in basketball?
“I’ve been playing all my life because of my Dad. I’ve always been going to games and dribbling since I was really little. After Lakers games I’d go down and shoot around on the court.”
2. What’s it like growing up with a 12-year NBA veteran as a Dad?
“It’s been a blessing but people try to compare you a lot and that gets old. My brothers and I all go through the same stuff even though one of my brothers is a baseball player. Overall it’s a blessing because having him around has definitely helped my game.”
3. Why do you love basketball?
“I just enjoy it so much. It’s a fun game to play and if I had a choice I’d love to play it for a living.”
4. What has been the most memorable moment in your basketball career at Pepperdine?
“I wouldn’t say we’ve had anything too memorable yet but I’m hoping for something great this season.”
5. What was the recruiting process like for you?
“Actually it started really late. When I moved from Portland Ore. to Orange County my junior year I was new to the team. At first I didn’t really play that much because it was a different system. My senior year I started hearing from a few schools and I actually didn’t get an offer until that summer. I decided to go to prep school instead because I wanted another year to get stronger. Once I went there I began to hear from more and more schools.
Coming out of high school USD was the only school to offer me a scholarship. Being recruited by Division 1 schools and ending up with a scholarship probably has been my most memorable accomplishment in basketball. It feels great to receive one and I feel extremely privileged. The hard work is starting to pay off.”
Why did you decide to play at Pepperdine? “I knew it was a good program already and I really liked the school so that was important. I felt like eventually I could be a part of the team that would turn this program around especially with the new coaches. My last coaches didn’t end up working out too well but I like the way it is now and I have a good feeling about the leadership here.”
What’s your take on Coach Asbury and how have you adapted to all the changes within the coaching staff?
“I’ve definitely gotten better since Asbury’s been here. He’s given me a lot of confidence and he brings that winning mentality which we need. He’s been successful before and there’s no reason why we can’t be successful again. He’s just a great coach.
I feel like I’m a versatile player and that I can play in different systems so it wasn’t that big of an adjustment for me when Vance Wahlberg left. My high school in Portland played a motion offense like we do now so the jump wasn’t too big or difficult.”
Which player is the most fun to play against?
“I’d have to say anytime I’m playing against some of my good friends at other schools like Austin Daye (Gonzaga) or Seth Tarver (Oregon State). That’s when it’s the most fun. Anytime I’m playing my friends it’s fun to talk trash and go right at them.
I’ve played against Kevin Love (UCLA) a couple times too. You definitely notice the difference in his game and it brings out the best in my game because I want to be that good someday. It makes me push myself and work harder.”
What do think you have to work on the most with your game?
“I’d probably say my ball handling. If I work on that and get better it’ll definitely help the team.”
What are your individual goals for the season?
“I just want to have a successful year and get better. It’s all about helping my team get wins.”
How do you respond to the low pre-season ranking in the Conference?
“There’s nothing you can really say to that other than we have to go out and play well and keep working hard. No matter what we’re going to be the underdogs so what do we have to lose? We might as well go out there and play the best we can and leave it all on the court.”