Clemson Lands Prized Two-Sport Standout: Alexandria's Chase Thompson Commits to Tigers

Alexandria senior Chase Thompson, one of the state's top two-sport athletes, has made a major decision, committing to play college basketball next season with the Clemson Tigers. The 6-8, 215-pound forward chose the Tigers over the Iowa Hawkeyes, citing the program's atmosphere, coaching staff, and academic offerings as key factors in his decision.

Securing a Coveted Talent: Clemson Lands a Versatile Athlete

A Standout on the Court and the Gridiron

Chase Thompson has established himself as one of the most versatile and talented high school athletes in Minnesota. The Alexandria senior has excelled in both basketball and football, showcasing his impressive skills and athleticism on both the hardwood and the gridiron.On the basketball court, Thompson has been a dominant force, leading the Alexandria Cardinals to a fourth-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament last season. As a junior, he averaged an impressive 19.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, cementing his status as one of the top players in the state.In addition to his prowess on the basketball court, Thompson has also shined as the starting quarterback for the Alexandria football team. This season, the senior signal-caller has thrown for 1,285 yards with 16 touchdown passes and no interceptions, leading the Cardinals to a perfect 5-0 start. His ability to excel in both sports has made him a highly sought-after recruit, and his commitment to Clemson is a significant coup for the Tigers' program.

Choosing Clemson: A Perfect Fit for Thompson's Talents

Thompson's decision to commit to Clemson was not made lightly. The senior took official visits to both Clemson and Iowa, but it was his trip to the upstate South Carolina campus that sealed the deal."As I was leaving Clemson, I said I've got to be back here," Thompson told the Star Tribune. "I took a couple days to think about it and let the excitement of the visit wear off a little bit. But I knew it was Clemson."The atmosphere at Clemson's home football game against North Carolina State left a lasting impression on Thompson, and he expects the same level of energy and support for the men's basketball team. The Tigers' head coach, Brad Brownell, has led the program to the NCAA Elite Eight in recent seasons, further solidifying Clemson's appeal to the talented recruit."It honestly reminds me a lot of Alexandria," Thompson said. "Everyone here is about our high school and our activities. When I was at Clemson, there were 85,000 people at the football game and it was a sellout. They already sold out for [student] season ticket holders for basketball. All the little things with academics as well added up."

A Family Legacy and a Bright Future

Thompson's commitment to Clemson continues a family legacy of basketball excellence. The younger brother of former Gophers player Treyton Thompson, Chase has been ranked as a four-star prospect and the 94th player nationally in the 2025 class by Rivals.com, as well as a three-star prospect and the No. 2 senior in Minnesota by 247Sports.com.With his impressive skills and versatility, Thompson is poised to make an immediate impact at Clemson. The Tigers' coaching staff and fan base are undoubtedly thrilled to welcome the talented two-sport star to their program, as they look to build on their recent success and compete for championships in the years to come.