As Editor/Publisher of the City/Suburban Hoops Report, a longtime recruiting service for college basketball programs across the country and a high school basketball publication that began in 1996, I have awarded a Player of the Year in Illinois for the past 29 years. Here is the 30th recipient of the award.
The state has churned out an endless number of star players and high-profile basketball talents over the decades. Typically those high school reps explode in the back half of their career, as a junior or senior. The rare star shines earlier.
That’s the short list Davion Thompson has added himself to in his two years at Bolingbrook.
He put up 19.2 points a game as a freshman and boosted that to 24 points a game as a sophomore while doing it in an even more efficient manner. He’s led a team to 56 wins in two seasons, emerged as one of the top backcourt talents in the country in the Class of 2027 and become a legit star attraction.
Thompson took some time to talk about how he remains grounded even with all the hype, the tough sectional defeat, what makes him tick, his own nerves watching his friend Jaxson Davis in the state title game and addressed the rumors of whether he will be back at Bolingbrook.
Here is Thompson — in his words.
The attention has been there, yes. But I would just say not getting too big-headed has been a real focus of mine. That’s because there is a lot more work and stuff to be done. My parents have guided me to be a better player and person on and off the court. They preach staying humble. That’s what they focus on. Whether it be state championships or the college stuff, I strive to get better.
I like that feeling of lifting people up and not putting others down. My dad tells me there is a place and time to show your emotion. I don’t need to show people up. I’ve always tried to be humble.
My expectation coming into high school was to make an impact on the varsity. I didn’t know how it was going to go, but I was so excited to get on that floor as a freshman last year, and I would talk about it with my brother before I was even in high school. I expected it from myself because I put in the work.
I was just shocked with that sectional loss. Really shocked. I knew they were good. It’s the playoffs, it’s the sectional. Everyone is good. But I didn’t expect it to go like that. I was pretty much shocked with how the game went, especially with the low-scoring game that it was. I’ve never seen a score that low playing basketball my whole life, even when I was a kid. I was mad but you couldn’t be mad, because you’re not playing basketball at that point.
I don’t really model my game after anyone. But someone I have really started to watch is [Oklahoma City’s] Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]. Not because our games are similar, but I watch his pace and how he plays offensively. He has a good motor on offense and defense. And I like watching Jalen Brunson, because some people compare me to him with how I play, so I have to check him out. I watch both of those guys and how they are as leaders and their feel for the game.
The support around me motivates me. A lot of people support me and what I do. I feel like if I’m getting that support, why not play as hard as I can for them, and to put on a show for the kids and the community. My parents put a lot in with this basketball, and I feel like it’s all going to work out in the end.
I would say what I’ve learned is what people do off the court can affect them. I see a lot of people that are good that just do dumb stuff, and I think it holds them back. That plays a big part in how coaches look at you.
Leadership was the biggest goal for me coming into this year. I try to go with the mindset that if you focus and lock in as a leader, then you’re ready for when things get bigger than high school. But I want to be a leader for my teammates.
We went to watch the state championship. We were definitely excited [to watch Jaxson Davis]. That’s my best friend. We have been friends and playing since second grade. I text with him before every game, to just go play hard. His team needs him. He’s the motor of that team. At the end, I was low-key nervous myself at the end when watching it. I had to get out of my seat when they had that last shot.
For right now, we are looking to stay at Bolingbrook. That’s the plan. Anything can happen but as of right now my parents and I expect to be there next year.
Probably Tennessee. They are recruiting me the hardest, I would say. Marquette and Michigan as well. I have enjoyed the recruiting process. That’s the goal, to play in college and at the highest level.
Past City/Suburban Hoops Report Player of Year Winners
2025: Davion Thompson, Bolingbrook
2024: Morez Johnson, Thornton
2023: Brock Harding, Moline
2022: Braden Huff, Glenbard West
2021: Max Christie, Rolling Meadows
2020: DJ Steward, Young
2019: EJ Liddell, Belleville West
2018: Talen Horton-Tucker, Simeon
2017: Mark Smith, Edwardsville
2016: Charlie Moore, Morgan Park
2015: Jalen Brunson, Stevenson
2014: Jahlil Okafor, Young
2013: Jahlil Okafor, Young
2012: Jabari Parker, Simeon
2011: Wayne Blackshear, Morgan Park
2010: Jereme Richmond, Waukegan
2009: Drew Crawford, Naperville Central
2008: Kevin Dillard, Homewood-Flossmoor
2007: Derrick Rose, Simeon
2006: Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North
2005: Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North
2004: Shaun Livingston, Peoria Central
2003: Shannon Brown, Proviso East
2002: Dee Brown, Proviso East
2001: Pierre Pierce, Westmont
2000: Dwyane Wade, Richards
1999: Leon Smith, King
1998: Quentin Richardson, Young
1997: Brian Wardle, Hinsdale Central
1996: Ronnie Fields, Farragut