Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns second round power forward prospects

By Khaleel Abdullah

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Ajdin Penava #11 of the Marshall Thundering Herd shoots a free throw during a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on December 19, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier won 81-77. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Ajdin Penava #11 of the Marshall Thundering Herd shoots a free throw during a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on December 19, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier won 81-77. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TOLEDO, OH – MARCH 02: Eastern Michigan Eagles forward James Thompson IV (2) questions an official’s call during a regular season Mid-American Conference game between the Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Toledo Rockets on March 2, 2018 at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

3.  James Thompson IV – Eastern Michigan/From Louisiana (6-10 240, 23-years-old)

I almost feel bad for some of these players at smaller schools. If James played at a bigger school, he’d probably be a first round prospect. He is athletic with solid size and build, is very efficient in the post (14.7 points, 68% from the field) and is a strong rebounder and rim protector (11 rebounds and 1.8 blocks). He made it onto both the All-MAC 1st Team and All-MAC Defensive Team. That has to be somewhat uplifting, seeing that someone recognizes him. He should find a spot on an NBA roster as well. He would be a really good fit on the Suns. Since the end of last season, he added on a rock solid 30 pounds of muscle that helps in making life miserable for opponents that get stuck with the brutal task of trying to slow him down. Not easy. Thompson is very athletic, has nice footwork in the post and will not let anyone take a rebound from his grasp. Phoenix needs a firey competitor like that. Phoenix needs James Thompson IV. Watch highlights of him play and one will change their mind if they don’t feel he’s NBA caliber.

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