There's only one constant and that is Change..... Sam Thompson moves to Mokan Elite


When I first started working at Pillsbury in Minneapolis, I thought I would stay there forever. Little did I know that situations change and opportunities arise that take us places we never thought we might go. It's not that we aren't loyal to a company but sometimes a greater calling is on the horizon.

 I first met Sam Thompson when he was on a fourth or fifth grade basketball team with grandson Nate. Sam moved to Gateway for a couple of years, and then rejoined Nate on the Larry Hughes 7th grade team coached by Eric Bain. 

Eric pulled the great player out of each one of the kids. He gave them confidence and helped them improve their overall games, by leaps and bounds. With Sam, Nate, Myles Estrada (now Francis Howell Central star) and Ethan Lattimore (Vianney point guard), the LHBA were a team to reckon with. Under Eric's excellent coaching skills, the guys formed a dominant Midwest team.

Sam continued to grow in height (now 6'9") and skills, and is a solid D1 prospect. A lot of elite AAU teams came knocking at the door, but Sam remained focused on his development with Eric, alongside his LHBA teammates. Early in his junior year at Francis Howell, Mokan Elite came knocking - asking for Sam to play and grow with them. It was really a hard decision for Sam and his family, but the opportunity to grow and gain exposure was too high. Sam agreed.

Mokan Elite is the elite of the elite AAU teams, and plays in the EYBL circuit - one of the top summer circuits. With them, he would be matching up with 6"9", 6'11" centers who are in that top 50 or 100 recruit lists. I think the Thompson's almost turned it down again. But, Mokan made their case, and I think Eric Bain told him that he could not pass up the opportunity.

It's hard to leave family. We did that 35 years ago when we came to St. Louis. For Sam and his parents, LHBA and the teammates he has played with four or more years, this is like leaving family. Matt and Sarah called everyone, including this proud old Grampa. Maybe they thought I would spill the beans before they talked to everyone. I told Matt, "you never lose old friends, you just make new ones".

They are making the right decision for Sam and there are no hard feelings at LHBA. They all wish Sam the best of luck as he moves to greater things. He's a great kid and he will fit right in with Mokan. He can be a dominant inside force on any court. If Sam had not injured his shoulder near the end of the first half against CBC last March, Francis Howell might have been in the final and brought home a state title. They may well do it this year. Time will tell.

And Larry Hughes? Don't count out the 17U team next year. Eric had to coach a team for over half the season without Sam, due to injuries, and they were just as good without his dominant inside game as they played "small" ball and still dominated a lot of teams. They will miss him, but life goes on. Change is the only constant.

I wish Sam the best at Mokan. He'll get the challenges and exposure that he needs.



Gramps



PS If there are any "bigs" out there that need a home, give Eric a call.


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