There’s a buzz beginning to form around the Ohio State basketball program. Head coach Jake Diebler was able to retain returning talent like athletic forward Amare Bynum and sharpshooter John Mobley Jr., and two 5-star freshmen will join them to likely be a big part of things this winter.
One of those guys is one of the highest-rated recruits to ever commit to the Buckeyes, five-star forward Anthony Thompson out of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. He was ranked as the No. 3 small forward and ninth overall prospect in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports composite rankings, and all indications are that he is as advertised so far in practices along the banks of the Olentangy.
Thompson is 6-foot, 8-inches, but has an over 7-foot wingspan that is going to cause issues for the opposition. He’ll be able to get his shot off in traffic, get on the boards, and provide some issues defensively on the other end. His size allows him to mix it up against taller players, but he also has an elite shooting touch that might make him instantly the most prolific scorer on the team.
On Thursday, some of the Ohio State media got to see and hear from Thompson, and some of those video highlights were posted on social media. We’ve collected some for you to see what Thompson is able to do on the basketball court, and we think you’ll be impressed.
Anthony Thompson on a heater from beyond the arc
Anthony Thompson from three. Repeatedly. pic.twitter.com/kJmCz55Kx6
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 16, 2026
Thompson’s buttery jump shot
At the Schott this morning for the last bit of the Buckeyes’ practice. Enjoy your morning coffee with some video of Anthony Thompson’s silky-smooth jumper.
We’ll speak with Thompson today for the first time since arriving at Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/NsHom8OabX
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) July 16, 2026
Various highlights of Thompson’s all-around game
Five-star freshman Anthony Thompson showed his shooting, scoring and rebounding ability at Ohio State’s practice on Thursday morning. pic.twitter.com/0avUYAtGu1
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 16, 2026
Anthony Thompson on his ability to shoot
Anthony Thompson on the pride he takes in being a premier shooter. He said shooting has always been his calling card since he picked up a basketball.
Asked who’s the better shooter between himself and Juni Mobley, he gave the nod to Mobley but said he’s gonna try to catch him. pic.twitter.com/BKVGWfbzju
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) July 16, 2026
Thompson on his work with Ohio State forward Amare Bynum
Anthony Thompson on how valuable Amare Bynum has been in helping him find his footing early on.
Bynum went through all of it just last year as a freshman at Ohio State, and Thompson said they work out together all the time. pic.twitter.com/Lcn3z2dbn1
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) July 16, 2026
It’s going to be fun watching what Thompson can do this year and how effective he’ll be right out of the gate. He has NBA lottery pick potential, and if he has the type of year he’s capable of, things could be exciting again in the Schott.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: WATCH: Highlights of 5-star Ohio State hoops forward Anthony Thompson
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