On a crisp New York morning, Blair Thompson's basketball career took a leap forward. Thompson, the 2026 Columbia graduate, inked a contract with the Leicester Riders, the oldest professional basketball team in the UK. The team competes in the Super League Basketball, a top-tier league where the Riders have won 19 titles. Known for their success, the Riders are a dominant force in British basketball, having secured the most titles in the past ten years. The signing marks the beginning of Thompson's journey into professional basketball.
Thompson started all 28 games as a senior for Columbia, averaging 11.4 points per game. His senior season culminated with a 26-point performance at Cornell on January 5. He converted 12-12 free throws in that game, a career high. This display of precision and composure under pressure highlighted his growth as a player and his ability to perform in crucial moments.
His senior year also included a double-double at Lehigh on November 21. Thompson scored 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. His consistency and defensive skills led him to 500 career rebounds at Columbia — a feat only previously achieved by Mark Cisco in 2012-13. Reaching this milestone demonstrated Thompson's impact on the court, not only as a scorer but as a versatile and hardworking presence in the paint.
By the end of his career, Thompson was tied for ninth in games played with 108 total appearances. His 108 steals rank eighth in the program's all-time list. He is the second Lion, after Gary Raimondo '99CC, to reach 500 rebounds and 100 steals in a Columbia career. This combination of rebounding and defensive play is rare and reflects Thompson's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Thompson was also recognized for his academic excellence, earning Academic All-Ivy League honors after the season. His free-throw accuracy and defensive versatility made him a standout in a competitive Ivy League. Balancing elite basketball with academic rigor at Columbia set a high standard for him, and his achievements in both areas made him an attractive prospect for professional teams.
As Thompson joins the Riders, he carries the legacy of a Columbia program known for developing skilled and disciplined athletes. The Riders, based in the UK, are widely respected and have a rich history of success. Their achievements in the Super League Basketball over the years show a commitment to excellence, and Thompson will likely find himself part of a winning culture.
Columbia fans and supporters can continue following the program's progress by following @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, searching for Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or visiting GoColumbiaLions.com for updates and news. The Lions look forward to building on Thompson's success and the contributions of future athletes as they continue their journey in the Ivy League and beyond.