Kansas Basketball: Bryce Thompson commits despite NCAA allegations

Kansas basketball has a cloud hanging over its head at the moment, but that didn’t prevent them from landing five-star guard Bryce Thompson.

Bryce Thompson has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks and is now a part of their 2020 recruiting class. This is big for KU, as they’re now 50 days out from receiving notice about allegations from the NCAA in an FBI investigation. Many thought this would affect their chances at landing big-time recruits this winter but so far, it has not.

Thompson said he had faith in the program and trusted that he’d be put in a good position moving forward.

Per KUSports.com:

"“I am aware of the controversy currently surrounding Kansas,” Thompson wrote. “It did concern me a bit at the beginning until I went on my visit and I was able to talk face-to-face with some of the administration, including Athletic Director Jeff Long.”"

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"“I leaned on my parents when coming to this decision. As former college athletes, they’ve been through the recruiting process and I trust them to highlight areas I may have missed. We took most visits as a family and debriefed after each one. I’m grateful to have my family to lean on through this process. They know my goals and are committed to helping me position myself to achieve them.”"

Thompson choosing Kansas shows that these allegations might not impact the Jayhawks in the way that many were expecting it to. He’s the 19th ranked player in the nation per 247 Sports and had interest from Michigan State, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

Two of those programs are right at the top of the pack when it comes to college hoops, so KU landing the five-star guard and keeping him from the Tar Heels and Spartans is big, especially in the midst of a big allegation.

Thompson hails from Tulsa, where his dad played college ball for KU head coach Bill Self at Tulsa. Self’s time spent with Thompson’s father is what put Kansas above the rest of the competition.

With recruiting being the way it is, it is certain coaches from other schools probably tried to dissuade Thompson from going to Kansas. Self and his people were evidently able to get Thompson to ignore those voices and pick the Jayhawks anyway.

The Kansas basketball team is loaded this season and even with some drama surfacing prior to the season, the Jayhawks have already landed a top recruit for next year. Bryce Thompson has the ability to come into Lawrence and make his presence known on the court right away.

This is a huge get for Bill Self and the Kansas basketball program. Let’s hope things continue to go their way of moving forward.