Badgers get boost heading into 2018
Charles Kissi’s Christmas present came in the form of a 6-foot-5, 220pound forward.
In fact the Brock men’s basketball head coach found out in November that Trevor Thompson made the decision to return to the Badgers.
Thompson had decided to concentrate on his education, at the end of last season, and obtain his masters degree in business administration.
However, a few months later Thompson realized he missed the thrill of competing and his teammates too much.
“I was having lunch with coach (Kissi) and Cassidy (Ryan — Badgers teammate),” explained the 24-year-old Thompson. “We all kind of hinted at it, and I knew had another year of eligibility remaining, and the more I thought it about I knew it would be something I looked at later in life and probably would regret if I didn’t come back.
“I miss competing, and being with the guys every day. And I don’t think you appreciate how quickly those things go by as well.”
In between classes at Brock, Thompson has also been serving at a restaurant in Oakville. He hopes to one day land a job in sales, but for now he wants to get those competitive juices flowing on the court.
“It definitely takes a little of an adjustment to try and find something else to fill that competitive nature in you that’s pretty much always there no matter what sport you play. I just want to do the little things well, and be gritty. Before I was in basketball I was in hockey and football, and that grittiness is what I bring.”
Thompson started in 17 of the 19 games he played last season, averaging almost 20 minutes of playing time and 5.4 points to go along with 2.2 rebounds per contest.
But as is the case with a lot of veteran players there is more than statistics to their respective games. It’s the intangibles that matter most, according to Kissi.
“Trevor’s return is huge,” the Badgers head coach said.
“That’s a big piece for us. Really to be able to play the first half without him and Michael (Asemota — personal reasons) and to be able to come away where we landed is big. But to have Trevor back is massive.
“And it’s not just on the court, but off of it ,too. In the locker room he’s a great leader. Everybody loves him — he’s got great presence and it’s very positive.”
It’s easy to see and hear the maturity Thompson brings to an already impressive Badgers team.
“If there’s value I bring I would definitely say it’s away from the court,” Thompson said.
“I want to let the guys know, especially now being away from it for about six or seven months, how valuable and short, and special, this time is.
“Right now we’re ranked third in the country and there’s a legitimate shot to go all the way. I want them to know they can’t take any of this for granted.”
Thompson is right when discussing Brock’s chances heading into 2018. The Badgers played arguably the OUA’s (Ontario University Athletics) and USports’ (Canadian university) toughest schedule to open the season.
“We played four top-10 teams in the country and to come away with a 9-2 record and (ranked) third in the country knowing that we’re at that level there’s a lot of positives,” said Kissi.
So with his dreams of landing a sales job on hold, Thompson and the Badgers prepare for the new year and four straight road games to open 2018 before returning home on Saturday, Jan. 20, to play against the Windsor Lancers. Tipoff at the Bob Davis Gymnasium is 8 p.m.
“Our first objective is to finish first in our division, that’s our primary focus right now,” Kissi said. “If we play to our potential we should be OK, but I will say this — we’re definitely not overlooking anybody.”