HUDSON, OH: According to Sports Illustrated, Anthony Thompson High School Basketball standout has been selected for the 2026 McDonald’s All-American game, becoming Ohio State’s first signee in the prestigious event since D’Angelo Russell in 2014. The 6-foot-8 forward from Western Reserve Academy recently scored 43 points against Andrews Osborne Academy and averaged nearly 23 points per game on the Adidas 3SSB circuit last summer.
Elite Anthony Thompson High School Basketball Prospect Headlines Ohio State Class
Thompson, ranked as a top-10 recruit nationally, committed to the Buckeyes in October after receiving offers from North Carolina, Michigan, Texas, Indiana, and others. The five-star forward represents the highest-rated prospect signed by coach Jake Diebler since arriving in Columbus. Additionally, Thompson will join four-star forward Alex Smith, who chose Ohio State over Cincinnati, Indiana, and Nebraska, among others.
The McDonald’s All-American game will be played March 31st in Glendale, Arizona at Desert Diamond Arena and broadcast on ESPN. Meanwhile, Thompson will compete on the East roster alongside Jordan Smith Jr., a top-three recruit in the 2026 class who remains uncommitted, and Jaxon Richardson, son of former NBA player Jason Richardson and brother of current Orlando Magic guard Jace Richardson.
Big Ten Representation and Historical Context
Several Big Ten Basketball commits will join Thompson in the McDonald’s game, including Michigan State guard Jasiah Jervis and USC-bound twin brothers Adonis and Darius Ratliff, both 7-footers whose father is former NBA big man Theo Ratliff. However, Ohio State hasn’t had such elite representation since Russell’s selection in 2014.
Russell’s path following his McDonald’s appearance provides a blueprint for success. The guard dominated the Big Ten as a freshman, earning All-American, All-Big Ten, and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors while averaging 19.3 points, five assists, and 5.7 rebounds. He declared for the NBA Draft after one season and was selected second overall by the Lakers.
Program Impact and Future Outlook
Thompson’s McDonald’s selection marks a significant recruiting milestone for Diebler’s program. The forward’s recent 43-point performance in Western Reserve Academy’s 15-point victory demonstrated the five-star skills that attracted major programs nationwide. Because of his elite ranking and versatility at 6-foot-8, Thompson projects as an immediate impact player in Columbus.
The Anthony Thompson High School Basketball commitment represents Ohio State’s return to elite recruiting circles after more than a decade without McDonald’s All-American representation. For comprehensive coverage of top prospects and recruiting developments across all conferences, visit Prospect-Radar.com.
