Ohio State Recruit Anthony Thompson Shines at McDonald's All-American Game

The five-star forward discusses his journey to the prestigious showcase and his plans for Ohio State.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements and skills, with sharp planes of scarlet and gray colors representing Ohio State's uniform colors.A cubist interpretation of Ohio State recruit Anthony Thompson's versatile game, showcasing his shooting touch, athleticism, and potential to thrive at the next level.Columbus Today

Anthony Thompson, a five-star recruit who has signed with Ohio State, participated in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game this week. Thompson discussed his excitement at being selected for the game, which he grew up watching, and how his game has evolved through experiences like playing at EuroCamp. He also talked about his goals of making the most of his time at Ohio State and eventually pursuing an NBA career.

Why it matters

Thompson's selection to the McDonald's All-American Game is a significant milestone that highlights his talent and potential. As an Ohio State signee, his performance in the showcase will build anticipation for his college career and the impact he could have on the Buckeyes' program.

The details

Thompson, a 6-foot-8 forward, said he has worked to expand his game beyond just scoring, focusing on areas like passing, ball-handling, and defense. He credited his time at EuroCamp, where he competed against older international players, as a key step in his development. In scrimmages leading up to the McDonald's All-American Game, Thompson has showcased his ability to shoot the ball and score at the rim, attributes he believes will translate well to the college level.

  • Thompson participated in the 49th annual McDonald's All-American Game on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Thompson signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Ohio State in November 2025.

The players

Anthony Thompson

A five-star recruit and Ohio State signee who participated in the 2026 McDonald's All-American Game.

The Columbus Dispatch

The local newspaper that quoted Thompson's comments about the McDonald's All-American Game.

Pro Insight

The YouTube channel that featured an interview with Thompson discussing his game and decision to attend Ohio State.

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What they’re saying

“You grow up watching this game every single year. To be able to be here this year is a really big honor and blessing for all the hard work and people around me who have helped me get this far.”

— Anthony Thompson, Ohio State Recruit

“Hopefully I can make a good career in the NBA and then people can look back on high school and say...we kind of saw early on.”

— Anthony Thompson, Ohio State Recruit

“I think my ability to shoot the ball and my ability to score at the rim translates a lot. I've been working a lot on my athleticism and my strength these last couple of years, and I think it's helped.”

— Anthony Thompson, Ohio State Recruit

What’s next

Thompson will continue to prepare for his college career at Ohio State, where he is expected to make an immediate impact as a versatile forward. His performance in the McDonald's All-American Game will likely generate increased attention and expectations for his future with the Buckeyes.

The takeaway

Anthony Thompson's selection to the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game is a testament to his hard work and development as a player. His focus on expanding his game beyond just scoring, combined with his experiences competing against top international talent, have positioned him well for success at the college level and potentially beyond.