RECRUITING: Pioneers’ Thompson chooses Boise State

The Canyon Springs boys basketball team will have high expectations when it opens the season this winter.

The defending Sunrise Region champion Pioneers will also have one fewer worry, as their best player won’t be stressing out over his college decision.

Senior guard Michael Thompson gave an oral commitment to Boise State on Tuesday, choosing the Broncos after an official visit last weekend.

“It’s a great feeling, just an amazing feeling to get all the pressure out of the way,” Thompson said.

Thompson said he left his visit — which included taking in the football team’s victory over Oregon State — impressed with the basketball program’s coaching staff, how well players are treated and the team’s chemistry.

Boise State was the only school to offer Thompson a scholarship so far, but he said Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana State, Murray State, Pepperdine, Stanford and UNLV were among other programs to express interest.

The 6-foot-2-inch Thompson said Boise State recruited him as a point guard.

Thompson earned second-team all-state honors last season after averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists while leading the Pioneers to a 26-4 record and the Class 4A state title game.

“(Boise State) started to focus on me a lot after we made the run,” Thompson said.

His stock rose higher on the summer circuit, where he played for the Las Vegas Prospects.

Thompson’s commitment won’t become binding until the fall signing period, which begins Nov. 10.

Still, he said it’s a relief to be done with the recruiting process.

“It’s a real blessing to get the pressure out of the way,” he said.