For the first time in four years, there’s a problem with Mission Bay High School boys’ basketball senior point guard Derrick Thompson. It’s not on the court, as Thompson is a two-time team captain; he led the team in both points and assists; and he was the team’s toughest defender. His problem is not in the classroom, either. Thompson holds a 3.6 GPA, and his coach, Dennis Kane, refers to him as a player who comes along once every 15 years. So what’s the problem? It’s something coach Kane refers to as “the 2 percent club.” This label is given to the elite group of high school basketball players who go on to play college basketball at any level. “I you have 12 guys on your team, you are lucky if you have one guy go away, a year, to play basketball,” Kane said. Kane’s club is represented with framed pictures of his former high school players turned college athletes on the wall in the team room. Although his alumni have played at schools like Notre Dame and Portland, the number of pictures is far from staggering. “It motivates me because when you really think about it, it’s only 2 percent that really make it in,” Thompson said. “I know that I am capable of making it.” Kane thinks so too. “To play college basketball you have to have the talent, the in-the-classroom performance and your coach’s approval,” Kane said. Thompson has the trifecta. So, with only three months until graduation, Thompson plans to send out more film, make a couple of visits to schools and continue to put in the work that has separated him form others all along. “I think his biggest attribute or strongest characteristic is Derrick’s warrior mentality,” Kane said. “He’s a coach’s dream. What you tell him to do is what he does. He’s not afraid of work. Most kids aren’t self-directed and self-motivated. He is. He wants it. It burns in his belly. He wants to be a great basketball player. Most kids like to play basketball, he loves to play basketball.” Teammates are the first to sing Thompson’s praises as well. “Derrick is a good teammate, and he shows a lot of leadership in the way he plays,” teammate Irving Valdovinos said. “He’s a hard worker … He leads by example.” Ten things you didn’t know about Derrick Thompson 1. He’s led the Buccaneers to the playoffs every year since he’s been on varsity. 2. He started playing basketball at 8 years old after he got into trouble one day with his grandmother. As punishment, she made him sit down on the couch with her and watch a Lakers game. 3. His favorite team is the Lakers. 4. His favorite NBA player is Kobe Bryant, but looks up to Chris Paul. 5. He’s been on the honor roll his whole life. 6. He helps his four younger brothers and sisters with their homework and their basketball. 7. His mom is his biggest supporter. She never misses a game and unconditionally believes in him. 8. He turned 18 on Feb. 17. 9. He played football for two years at wide receiver. 10. He thanks coach Kane for teaching him everything he knows.
