M. basketball: Thompson dominates tournament final

In a league whose motto is “Get Exposure or Get
Exposed,” all the hype was on UCLA’s Dijon Thompson in
his team’s championship game at the Nike Los Angeles College
Pro-City Summer League Championship on Saturday.

Thompson led Hank’s Team CTS to a convincing victory over
FUNN Squad 100-90, giving the team its second consecutive
title.

In front of an A-list of NBA, college and high school basketball
stars, Thompson used his 6-foot-7 frame and long range shooting
ability to dominate FUNN Squad’s collection of talent from
mid-major conferences.

“I was able to post up a lot more tonight because of our
match-ups with them,” Thompson said. “I have been
trying to use my size against smaller guards to get to the foul
line more and become a better low post scorer for my
team.”

Thompson’s shooting efficiency in the final game and his
10 rebounds helped his team overcome a nine-point halftime deficit.
Thompson made 7-of-10 field goals, including two three-pointers,
for a total of 18 points.

Exhibiting his high fitness level, Thompson played every minute
of the competition and controlled much of the fourth quarter as
Hank’s Team CTS began to pull away in the final minutes.

Thompson was also integral in sparking a third quarter comeback
where Hank’s Team CTS outscored FUNN Squad 30-18.

“We really took over the game in the third quarter,”
Thompson said. “It feels good to win the title again because
it gets pretty competitive out there in the playoffs.”

In a league dominated by mid-major talent, Thompson is one of
the league’s featured players. Because of that, players from
schools such as San Diego State, Cal State Northridge or Cal State
Fullerton constantly look to make a name for themselves by taking
it to Thompson game after game.

“I am used to everyone playing harder against UCLA during
the year so it isn’t anything different,” Thompson
said. “It just forces you to be more sharp and focused during
the game and play at a higher level.”

Thompson’s physical talents were evident during the
game’s crucial stages as he continued to use his size to
easily shoot over the smaller guards and get to the foul line with
his low-post play.

“I got some open looks at the end of the game and some
easy fast break points,” Thompson said. “We were in
control most of the fourth quarter and (we didn’t want them
to) get too close.”

Over the course of the summer league, Thompson has steadily
improved on his defense, which he showcased during the championship
game picking off four steals.

Hank’s Team CTS roster remained in tact following last
year’s championship squad with the exception of former Bruin
Trevor Ariza.

“You always play to win and for the other guys on the
team,” Thompson said. “Our goal was to win this
tournament before the summer started, and it is a good way for us
older guys to end our careers in the summer league on
top.”