Mike Thompson had been a McDonald’s All-American at Providence Catholic High School, so when the 6-foot-10-inch center transferred from Duke to Northwestern, much anticipation surrounded the Wildcats’ program.
But coach Bill Carmody announced Wednesday that Thompson no longer was a member of the team.
No reason was given, and school officials cited privacy concerns in refusing to comment. But in slightly less than one season with the Wildcats, Thompson never played up to his reputation.
He became eligible to play for NU on Dec. 15, 2004, but appeared in only 13 games, averaging 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds. He missed the final 11 games of last season after spraining a foot in practice.
Thompson returned this season and started the three games the Wildcats played in the Black Coaches Association Invitational, where they went 2-1. But after he averaged 1.7 points and 3.3 rebounds while playing 13.3 minutes a game, Carmody benched him for the Nov. 21 home opener against Florida Atlantic.
During that game Thompson left the bench and was said to be suffering from the flu. He was expected to return for the Wildcats’ victory Saturday over Delaware State. He didn’t.