Senior Michael “Juice” Thompson, is definitely looking forward to his final year at Northwestern. After traveling to Italy with the men’s basketball team this summer, Thompson expects to have a “big and exciting year in the classroom, as well as on the basketball court.” The 5’10” point guard has been a key player for the Wildcats, averaging 14.2 points per game last year. Thompson, who has never missed a game in his entire college career, has always been and plans to continue being a consistent leader for his team. NBN caught up with Michael “Juice” Thompson to get his thoughts on his last season at Northwestern.
How was the trip to Italy? Experiences?
It was amazing. We got to hang out with my teammates and my coaching staff. Just being in another country and bonding with my teammates off the court and being able to play pro teams was a great experience for me and the rest of my teammates.
How does it feel to be playing your last year of college ball?
It’s very exciting. I’m kind of sad that’s it going by so quick, but I’m just trying to enjoy my last year of college with my teammates and all of my friends on campus.
What are your future plans?
Lord willing that I don’t get hurt or anything like that, I plan on continuing to play basketball, but if that doesn’t work out I’ll be looking for a job somewhere in coaching basketball or a sports analyst.
What are your expectations for this year’s team?
I expect our team to work hard each and every day and push each other to get better. Obviously, our goal is to make it to the NCAA tournament for the first time, so I will be pretty upset if we don’t make that. I just expect each guy to work as hard as they can and just try to get better everyday.
What about expectations for yourself?
I just expect to get better each and every day as an individual, as well as on the court, and being a team player and just continue to build as a leader and try to lead the team to the NCAA tournament for the first time.
What is your favorite memory of your athletic college career so far?
My favorite memory would be from last year, when we beat Purdue, here at home. They were ranked number six in the country and after we beat them all of the fans, the students, they rushed the court and it was very exciting to be a part of that.
Random fact?
Pizza is my favorite food. I could eat that everyday of the week.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I just listen to my favorite music and I try to visualize what I want to happen on the court. [Some of my favorite artists are] Jay-Z and Rick Ross.
Comparing your freshman year until now, your free throw percentage rose from 64% to 83%. What changed?
What changed? My mental approach. I feel as though from my freshman year till now, I’m more focused at the free throw line. I’ve got a better rhythm and routine going on at the free throw line.