Race Thompson is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Minesota playing his second professional season and first with  Legia Warszawa (Poland-OBL). Last season he played his rookie season with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 7.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 69.2%. he began his basketball career at Armstrong high school and then played at Indiana University(NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 130 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against the MLP Academics.

Thanks Race for talking to germanhoops.com. before we get into it, I have to ask you about your name Race. What was the inspiration for that name from your parents? You come from a very sporty family and your siblings are called Indigo and True. I can imagine sports had a lot to do with it?

My name was in a child name book from what I heard from my parents but we all have a unique name that being my siblings and I

You’re playing your first season overseas with Legia Warszawa (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been and what have you enjoyed most about it?

It’s been a good experience so far. I have enjoyed my teammates and staff the most they were very welcoming and make it fun to come to the gym everyday. 

What was your wake up call overseas to being here for the first time where you knew that you were far away from home?

 My wake up call was going to the grocery store the first time and nobody spoke English and I couldn’t read any labels. My phone wasn´t working off wifi yet but I figured it all out now and it’s been smooth sailing. 

Legia is pretty crowded at the 3-4 positions. What exactly is your role on the team?

 I just try to make winning plays and be aggressive when the time is right doing what I can to help the team win that’s the main goal 

Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

 I feel like I can do everything on the court and play whatever position is needed of me. I´m strong enough and fast enough and smart to guard all the positions I´m not sure who I would compare myself to 

You’re a athletic player that can do many things on the court. How developed would you call your versatility?

 There isn’t anything on the court I don’t think I can’t do. I can handle the ball post up shoot and pass and I enjoy all parts of the game. I can defend well and switch screens and such so that tells the story 

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. In the last 4 seasons including the NCAA, you didn´t reach the 30% plateau. Is there anything special your doing so you can become a more consistent shooter from down town?

 I think the last year my shot changed a lot. I was shooting at a high clip and ended up dealing with a shoulder injury that hurt the %. I’m very confident in my shot and I think people will see that part of my game more and more 

What kind of a defender would you classify yourself now overseas? What steps do you want to make most in your first season overseas?

 I just want to continue to show I can guard multiple positions 

On what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to grow as a player?

 I’d say I work on shooting the most but I try to work on everything 

You played your rookie season with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 7.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 69.2%. What do you remember being your wake upcall to being a rookie where you knew that you were employed by an NBA team?

 I’d say I was awake to it right away. The Hustle share a facility with the Grizzlies so I knew the lights were on everyday at practice and it was an interview everyday coming to the gym. It was fun and I´m grateful for that opportunity 

How would you describe your rookie season in the G-League. You averaged 7/4/1 stats in 17 minutes. What do you believe was the most important thing that you learned in the G-League?

 I think the biggest thing I learned from that was to stay ready some games you’ll play a lot and some not so much if at all just continue to prepare like your going to play in the game stay ready so you don’t have to get ready 

How tough is it in general finding a rhythm on a G-League team where so many guys are coming and going, up and down minutes and certain guys being groomed for the NBA. How did you cope with the day to day concerning your game?

 I knew what the goal was for me and I had to produce when I stepped on the court. The coaches preached confidence in everyone’s game and that helped with staying ready when your name was called 

There was a span around the new year 2025 where you had 4 games in a row that were productive. What was your favorite game in the G-League?

 That stretch was probably my favorite games I was getting a lot of minutes and was able to showcase more parts of my game 

You were at Indiana University(NCAA) from 2017-2023 reaching 2 NCAA tournaments. Were these years some of the best in your life?

 Yes these were some of the best years. I made some great friends who are like brothers to me and learned a lot about myself during that time 

In your first 2 seasons at Indiana, your minutes went from 7 to 13 and in your third season went to 28. How vital was your 22/13 game in the win over Providence in your second game that season? Was that your real break through game in the NCAA? What memories do you have of that game?

 I think I had my break out game year prior but that was one of my best games and it gave my more confidence to keep working and thatI´m capable of a lot 

You reached 2 NCAA tournaments losing to St Marys and Miami. What memories do you have of those 2 runs?

 Everyone who likes basketball watches the NCAA tournament and being able to be a part of it was special even though it got cut short 

How did head coaches Archie Miller and Mike Woodson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

 They both taught me a lot about basketball and made me a smarter player and helped me understand the game more. I´m grateful for both of them 

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA 2 that reached the NBA?

 Trayce Jackson Davis was the toughest player he was a problem for everyone in college 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

 I don’t know if I can just name 5 but ill try with no order 

Trayce Jackson Davis , Armaan Franklin , Anthony Leal, Aljami Durham, Trey Galloway, Devonte Green,  Juwan Morgan. There are to many reallly good teammates to just pick 5 

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My Mount Rushmore would be Lebron, Jordan, Steph Curry, Kobe and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

 My Goat is Lebron 

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

 Nah I didn’t see it

Thanks Race for the chat.