Watch Now: Bryce Thompson on transferring from KU: ‘It was time for a change’

Support Local Journalism

Your subscription makes our reporting possible.

{{featured_button_text}}

That led to a difficult breakup — one founded on a lifelong relationship with Bill Self, who coached Thompson’s dad, Rod, for a season at Tulsa. It was the first time in Self’s career to coach the son of a former player.

“I think it was hard for both sides because you have that relationship,” Rod Thompson said. “ … I just think it was the best decision.”

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Self said: “I know Bryce had a tough freshman season with injuries, but I enjoyed coaching him this year through the ups and downs. We wish nothing but the best for the entire Thompson family moving forward.”

When the news of his entry to the portal broke, Bryce Thompson’s phone started buzzing.

“It’s been ringing off the hook, from lots of coaches to family and friends, just everybody reaching out and seeing how I’m doing,” he said. “It’s been pretty crazy.”

In the span of about eight hours, Thompson heard from “a couple hundred” people reacting to the development and inquiring about his next move. He will do his best to respond to all of them, then unplug as much as possible for a few days, maybe go fishing to get away.

And at some point in the next two weeks or so, he hopes to make a decision about his future home.