DCTC's Kevin Thompson Named All-American

Editor's note: The following is a press release from :

Dakota County Technical College’s Kevin Thompson, a 6’ 1” Sophomore Wing, was named a National Junior College Athletic Association Division II All-American. He is the first DCTC player to earn this honor. “My work ethic makes me a good basketball player,” said Thompson. “I’m never satisfied. I feel like even if I do good at something, I have to do better at it.”

Head Coach Jay Pivec led DCTC’s men’s basketball team during their inaugural season in 2011-2012 and has coached ten All-American players. “If the team does well, individual successes usually follow,” said Pivec. “As a coach, your best player is your hardest worker. There is little doubt that Kevin was the hardest worker. Everyday he came ready to play.”

Thompson was also named NJCAA DII Player of the Week in November 2011. He finished the regular season with 450 total points, an average of 16.071 per game. He made 67 percent of his free throws and 28 percent from the floor. Thompson led the team in rebounds with 66 offensive and 181 defensive, reaching an 8.821 rebound average per game. He was one of 30 players from more than 100 colleges across the country selected for the NJCAA DII All-American Award. Thompson credits his success to his coaches, family support, and personal experiences. “[They] help me get to the next level,” he said.

The DCTC Blue Knights men’s basketball team reached #8 on the NJCAA DII poll and finished in the top 20. They ended their inaugural season with a 24-7 overall record.