So long to Big Mike
After news reports came out that center Mike Thompson was suffering from an irregular heartbeat, the reports were followed up by the news today that Thompson was no longer a member of the basketball team.
Is his medical condition that serious? Did he quit because of it? Or was he kicked off? There's so little public information that it's hard to even speculate.
My thoughts are with Mike and I'm hopeful that his health condition is not serious if that is the case as has been reported. However, I think there's more to this than just a health problem.
The amount of playing time for Thompson has to have been disappointing for him. He has not fit into the style of play that Carmody likes. He's not the type of passing center that thrives in a Princeton-style offense.
Thompson also has not seemed happy on the bench this year. He doesn't partake in team huddles at times and has not looked enthused all year.
Thompson's career has been a disappointment. He came out of high school as a McDonald's All-American and now his college career is over. It's a shame.
But for the Northwestern program, it's time to move on. Vince Scott is the center now. Recruit Kevin Coble is the future in the middle.
Comments
This is terrible. Obviously, Thompson was a bad fit, but at least he was a 6-foot-10 bad fit who could hold his own in the paint. I can't see the Cats winning more than three Big Ten games with their current frontcourt.
Posted by: Matt | December 9, 2005 08:49 AM
I'm willing to accept that MT had the heart problem. I think it may have started at the BCA Invite, when he couldn't make free throws - one of the effects of the condition is dizziness, something that would definitely hurt your shooting.
Its a shame it happened, but as Greg says, its time to move on, we have a Big 10 season to face.
Posted by: coach Roy | December 9, 2005 09:55 AM
MT had problems shooting free throws last year, as did most of the rest of the team. I doubt it's related to his condition.
Regardless, best wishes to MT and his family. It's a shame the situation didn't work out for both sides, but health trumps everything.
Posted by: Herman | December 9, 2005 11:53 AM
I found this site as I was searching for news -- any news -- on the fate of Mike Thompson. While an avid NU fan, two little daughters and living in Princeton, NJ (ironic, huh?) keeps me a bit out of touch with the goings-on in Evanston. While I understand the perspective of earlier contributors to this site, I'm surprised that no one realizes the blow this is to this year's team and to the program as a whole. Many of us easily remember Transfer-mania that happened in the early '90's and other transfers over the years that have depleted the teams. While other major programs may be able to absorb the storm of such ups-and-downs, a program like NU can't afford to lose a starter, especially when he's 6'10" and brings the type of pedigree that Thompson possesses. I agree he's been a disappointment, but the fact that he transferred from Duke is news in itself and a boost to the program. I also think we may have forgotten how well Thompson played during the early part of his NU career, especially the game against Indiana last year in which he was the main reason for the NU win. Well, a year that seemed so promising and thoughts of post-season has come to a screetching halt. I hope Mike is ok, and I hope even more that the University will stop hiding the news and let everyone know what's going on.
Posted by: Tump | December 17, 2005 10:25 AM