Clemson men’s basketball’s incoming three-star forward, Chase Thompson, was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for football and Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball for the 2024-25 season.
This accomplishment makes him the second player in Minnesota state history to achieve this feat, joining current Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, who earned both titles in the 2019-20 season.
Thompson committed to the Tigers in November of 2024 over Iowa, West Virginia and Nebraska, among others.
The dual-sport athlete took Alexandria High School to the 3A Minnesota state championship game this past season, leading the school to its first-ever state title.
The standout forward went on a tear this past season, averaging 24.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, according to Minnesota Boys Basketball Hub. One of Thompson’s best performances was the 3A title game, dropping a game-high 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
He currently ranks as a top-160 recruit and the No. 2 player in Minnesota, according to 247Sports.
On the football side, Thompson was the top quarterback recruit in Minnesota until he decided to commit to basketball at the collegiate level.
Thompson was outstanding on every level, standing 6-foot-8 and throwing for 3,592 yards and 38 touchdown passes, while adding 130 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Before rising in the basketball rankings, the versatile athlete received attention from Minnesota, Iowa State and North Dakota State — showing just how elite he was at the position.
While Alexandria’s basketball team is listed in Class 3A, its football program competes in Class 5A against some of the top teams in the state. Thompson led his squad to an impressive 10-3 record, making Alexandria High School the No. 3 team in Minnesota.
Unfortunately, the team went on to lose to Elk River — the best team in the state — 33-24 in the state championship.
Thompson completed 18 of 28 passes for 305 yards and three touchdown passes, adding 19 rushing yards in a valiant effort.
Brad Brownell found a true athlete in Thompson, poised to have a long-lasting impact on the basketball program.
