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2026 Top-20 recruit Anthony Thompson to be in attendance for Kentucky game on Saturday

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Photo via @ant_thompson26 on X.

Anthony Thompson, one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, will be in attendance for Kentucky‘s game on Saturday. The 6-foot-7 small forward out of Western Reserve (OH) will be at Rupp Arena to watch the Wildcats take on Florida.

This won’t be his first time in Lexington as he made an unofficial trip to UK in October.

Thompson is the No. 17 overall recruit in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s also the No. 6 small forward prospect and the No. 1 player in Ohio. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Jamie Shaw is slightly higher on Thompson, ranking him 15th nationally.

Thompson talks UK

In a recent interview with KSR, Anthony Thompson discussed his offer from Kentucky and his thoughts on Big Blue Madness.

“I was appreciative to the coaches for believing in my abilities to play for the program,” Thompson said. “Coach Pope extended the offer. The whole coaching staff was there with my family and we just talked about the program in general, the things they loved about my game, and how it fits within their system.

“The atmosphere at Big Blue Madness was really energetic and the fanbase has a lot of pride.”

What he’s looking for in a college

In a recent conversation with On3’s Jamie Shaw, Thompson discussed what he wants in a college program.

“I am going to be looking for player development,” Thompson said. “I want to go somewhere I have good relationships with the players and the coaches and play at a place where I can win. My goal is to play in the NBA, so I want to go somewhere that will get me prepared to play at the next level. Where I can grow as a player, and will develop me for where I want to go.

“I’m looking for a playstyle that will allow me to be me. Play for a coach who will trust me and what I can do. Where I can play the three and the four, and go somewhere I can shoot the three and have the ball in my hands to make a play. A system that will allow me to do the things I am strong at, while still getting better.”