The ephemerality of college basketball is truly astounding. It seems like just yesterday, guard Michael Thompson was leading the upstart Wildcats with a Big Ten tournament-record 35 points against Minnesota. Now Thompson, affectionately known as “Juice” to the masses at Welsh-Ryan Arena, suits up for the Fraport Skyliners, a team in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga.
It’s safe to say that Northwestern would love to see Juice back on Sheridan Road for another four years, and although Thompson’s Skyliners are in the thick of the playoff race, it seems like much of Juice’s life is still tinted purple. North by Northwestern sat down with the celebrated Wildcat to talk about life overseas, mentoring Dave Sobolewski and cravings for Lou Malnati’s.
North by Northwestern: How have you been adjusting to life overseas? What's the biggest difference between playing in the Big Ten and playing in Germany?
Michael “Juice” Thompson: The transition to living overseas hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. I live in Frankfurt, Germany, and fortunately, this city has a lot of similarities to the USA. The most difficult part has been getting used to being away from home and my family, but their support has been tremendous. I've had many family members come out to visit me since I've been here. The biggest difference between basketball in the Big Ten and professional basketball in Germany is the style of play. It’s more physical and there is a 24-second shot clock; in college there is a 35-second shot clock.
NBN: Were you able to follow the Wildcats this year? What do you miss most about Northwestern?
MT: Yes, I was able to follow the Wildcats this season. I was able to watch the majority of their games. They had a great year, but I was rooting for them to make the NCAA tournament. I miss the team, coaches, fans and the Northwestern community. The atmosphere on campus was unreal, and I really miss being a student-athlete at Northwestern.
NBN: Do you still foresee your name on an NBA roster? If so, how have you been preparing to transition to the professional level? What's the process like for undrafted players?
MT: Yes, I still foresee my name on an NBA roster. I think every basketball player does. I have been working hard daily in hopes of improving and helping my team in Germany win as many games as possible. I also watch a lot of NBA games to understand how each team plays and how players at my position play. Undrafted players like myself would have to play in the NBA summer league or work out for NBA teams this summer and try to get signed as a free agent.
NBN: You've been busy with humanitarian work as well. What have those efforts been like, and do you have any particular attachment to what you do?
MT: The humanitarian work I've been involved in has been a lot of fun. I really enjoying getting to know people and interacting with them. I think sometimes people feel that athletes, especially in college, tend to hang out and interact with primarily athletes. I like to hang out and interact with everyone, no matter age, race, shape, size, athlete or not.
NBN: Are you still in contact with current members of the team? [Freshman point guard] Dave Sobolewski mentioned that you've talked to him. Have you been able to give him any advice as he approaches his sophomore year?
MT: Yes, I still keep in touch with players on the team. I actually talked to Dave a few days ago. I told him to build off last year’s success and not get complacent. He has a great work ethic and a lot of talent and with that, I know he can continue to improve and lead the team in the right direction.
NBN: Any opinions on Coach Carmody's return next season? What about John Shurna's program scoring record?
MT: Coach Carmody is a great coach, I'm happy that he is returning next season. The program is on the rise and each year it’s improving and landing some highly touted players. John Shurna is a phenomenal player. I'm happy for him and his record, but I know how competitive he is and I know he would trade that scoring record for the NCAA tournament.
NBN: And how does Northwestern culture manifest itself in your post-college life? Any random urges to throw up a Wildcat paw? Are you still craving Lou Malnati's?
MT: From Northwestern, I gained a sense of community service, being a part of something bigger than myself and working with others to reach a common goal. Now playing professional basketball in Frankfurt, Germany, I find myself using those same values that were cultivated at Northwestern in my everyday life as a professional basketball player. I miss Lou Malnati's pizza. After every home game at Northwestern every player on the team received a large pizza from Lou Malnati's. There is no Lou Malnati's in Germany, but there is a Pizza Hut.