Twitter: @jacobjeron01

Instagram: @_supplanter

 

For most, adapting to a new environment never really comes with ease. It's pretty rare to come across people who have zero issues leaving a place they've already found comfort in. However, there's no denying how different circumstances always have the possibility to come into play and force relocation. As I typically say, 'sometimes it just is what is.' For athletes, adjusting to a different type of scenery can go in either direction. There's the potential for either success or downfall due to how the player, his/her teammates, coaches, and family all handle things. Obviously, we never wish for the latter to occur for athletes in any sport. Over in Prince George County, VA, area newcomer, Jacob Thompson '19, has already settled in quite nicely with the Prince George Royals' basketball family and has his sights on bringing a senior presence for the varsity squad.

New environments don't faze Thompson. As part of a military family, he spent the last two years living in Alaska and attending Eagle River High School, where he played a big role on the Wolves' varsity hoops squad. After finishing up his junior season, Thompson soon received the news that the summer would involve packing up and heading to the East Coast. The summer move would keep him out from playing travel ball.

'It wasn't that hard adjusting to living here (in Virginia),' he explained. 'Before moving to Alaska, I actually was living in Georgia. So, I can feel some similarities in the environment and weather. Coming to Prince George High School was good; I actually don't have many classes this year. That always makes things easier.'

Upon arriving at Prince George High School, Thompson found quick comfort amongst his new peers. The members of the Royals' basketball program all welcomed him with open arms. They most likely realized the need to support him being the 'new guy' and also that they had another talented prospect in their circle.

Standing at 6'3,' Thompson plays as a wing who can produce in a number of ways on the court. He has a very, very strong frame that aids in him muscling his way to the basket; sometimes it works just to let him operate as a one-man fast break. His shooting stroke ranges out to all three levels and especially looks good from corner areas of the floor. Rebounding and finding others in the open floor may arguably be some of his most impressive talents. When looking at all of the tools he brings, one can note that Thompson indeed can do a bit of everything. The Royals have a balanced roster of guards who can scan the floor and shoot, to go along with forwards who assert themselves on the boards and finish strong inside the paint. The addition of a complete wing like Thompson undoubtedly gives the group an extra spark. Showcasing a versatile game definitely relates to one of his main objectives taking over the floor.

'I pride myself on being the biggest all-around player on a team. I don't want people to think I can only do one certain skill. I look to show I have the entire package. (Head) Coach Carr has talked with me about how my versatility can allow me to play anywhere on the floor this season.'

Obviously, in the case of every player, some skills can always use a bit of sharpening up, in which the senior can detect himself.

'I'd say ball-handling. That's probably the biggest one. Oh, and making quicker/better decisions.'

One thing I've appreciated about the Prince George Royals is the unity of the entire program. This includes everyone: players, coaches, managers, etc. With this acknowledgement, it honestly did not surprise me to see Thompson seamlessly fit in with the group right from his first day in the school. It definitely helped to have several returners from the team show him the way of the program's principles early on in the preseason.

'My teammates think highly of me and have explained how it's a privilege to be a member of the team. All of us are held to a certain standard. We realize how it's a higher standard compared to that of someone who doesn't play on the team. Everything we do off of the court is representing the team too.'

In terms of college recruitment, his absence on the AAU/travel ball scene this past summer has kept Thompson still pretty under the radar but his productive past two high school seasons have made his name known, especially on the West Coast.

'Yeah, having to move this past summer kind of got in the way of my playing plans. But, in Alaska, I picked up some interest from smaller programs. Mainly in the states of Washington and Oregon.'

While he knows that standout individual performances may possibly catch the eyes of more coaches (especially ones from East Coast schools), the burly senior knows that achieving wins capture the most attention.

'Just trying to win this season. Win our regional championship. That's a main team goal. For me, I'd definitely like to be all-conference and all-region, but that'll come when it does. Winning is these upcoming games is most important right now.'

For those in the county who have not yet seen the new face on the hardwood, I definitely recommend sliding by to an evening game and checking out Thompson in action. His teammates constitute an already-impressive squad that just got a bit stronger with him now in the picture. With his versatility, who knows what he has in store for audiences all throughout this season.

Alright. So now, Jacob Thompson, where do you see yourself in ten years'

''I see myself owning my own business. I plan to major in business management once I get to college. So, hopefully in that field and creating my own product.'

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to VA, Jacob!