Michael Thompson (Fraport Skyliners): Basketball Continues To Be A Learning Experience

Michael Thompson is a 22 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played : 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: Chicago Public League All-Academic Team -07, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11, Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11, and NIT Elite Eight -11. He took some time to talk to German Hoops about his rookie season with the Fraport Skyliners.

The Fraport Skyliners finally won again at home against EnBW Ludwigsburg 76-72. How long did this time feel?

It was a hard process. We have been playing well on the road so we could forget a bit our play at home, but the wins on the road helped us in this win.

You were used to losing at Northwestern. Did you ever suffer such a long losing streak at Northwestern at home?

We were 1-5 in conference play not winning one game at home. This was very tough for us, because we didn´t want to lose.

Is the self confidence finally rising in the Fraport arena?

Yes our confidence is up at home, but we also are having confidence on the road.

What was it like playing against Mark Dorris?

It is always great to play against good guards. He is an explosive player that can get fast to the basket. He can shoot and is a great competitor.

EnBW Ludwigsburg outrebounded Frankfurt. Why was rebounding a problem?

We have been undersized this season, but we have to do a better job boxing out and getting the rebounds. But I am happy we still got the win.

Jermareo Davidson had a strong second quarter, but all in all the win was a team effort as many guys contributed in scoring. How do you see the team chemistry coming along?

Our chemistry is good. Everyone is working hard and staying together. Everyone is vocal and is making each other better on the court.

Three months ago you played against Terrell Harris in a preseason game and since then he was cut by Ludwigsburg, played strong in the D-league and now is playing with Lebron James in the NBA. How crazy is that?

That is a crazy story, but these things happen. He had a tough situation here, but he continued to work hard and now is playing well. I remember that he was a tough rebounder and athletic. It seemed like he knew exactly where the ball would come off the rim.

What will Devin Gibson give the Fraport Skyliners?

He will bring energy from the bench. He is a good defender that will help run the team and make the right plays. He has been working very hard.

How have you helped Devin Gibson?

I try to point out certain things on the court. We do go against each other in practice, but I help him with offensive and defensive strategies.

You are the most improved Skyliner. Is your improvement more hard work or just getting used to the style of the Beko BBL?

It is a combination of both. I have worked hard, but it is also a big adjustment coming to the Beko BBL from the NCAA. I have had more minutes and experience. Basketball continues to be a learning experience and I am learning every day.

What is giving you the biggest problems in the set play that you still need to get adjusted to?

Every team is different, so you always have to be prepared with watching as much game tape as possible. I have to pick the angles and spots better.

You have improved your three pointer. How many three pointers do you take per day?

It varies. I usually take about 150 shots in practice and then take another 50-100 after practice with Jimmy Mckinney. Coach has done a great job with making us take our shots.

Who has been your toughest opponent so far?

All guards have been tough.

How about David Holston?

I played against him a few times in college when he was at Chicago State. He is a great player. He didn´t have to score so much against us, but knew how run the team and do what was needed to win.

What are your 2012 NFL football predictions? New England-Denver?

I pick New England.

Houston-Baltimore?

Baltimore. I like Ray Lewis.

Green Bay-New York Giants?

Green Bay.

Saints-49ers?

Saints.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Sunset park.

Thanks juice for the chat.

Leave a comment