Bill Haisten: As Bryce Thompson leaves KU, his transfer decision will be fascinating

A two-time Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year, Thompson partnered with backcourt mate Trey Phipps in driving Booker T. Washington to a 2019 state championship. Because of COVID-19, there was no opportunity in 2020 to defend that Class 6A title. There were no Oklahoma state basketball tournaments last year.

As a Jayhawk freshman, Thompson missed three games because of a back injury. He returned for Kansas’ Big 12 contest at Oklahoma State and was injured again that night, sustaining a broken finger that sidelined him for a month. He was activated for Kansas’ final 10 games.

Overall, Thompson played in 20 games, averaging 4.6 points and 17 minutes. He was a starter twice during the regular season and in each of the Jayhawks’ NCAA Tournament contests (a victory over Eastern Washington and a 34-point loss to Southern Cal).

Statistically, Thompson’s best game was his first game. In Kansas’ season-opening loss to eventual national finalist Gonzaga, Thompson had season-high totals in scoring (12 points on 5-of-10 shooting) and minutes played (28).

After that, there were the injuries and inconsistency with his minutes and role. In eight games, he played no more than 15 minutes. In nine games, he totaled no more than four shot attempts.

After one season on the OU roster, Phipps recently announced his transfer to Oral Roberts. As ORU was the national leader in 3-point baskets per game, and as he is proficient on 3-pointers, Phipps should be a nice fit with the Golden Eagles. At ORU’s Mabee Center, he scored 42 points during Booker T.’s 2019 championship victory over Putnam City North.