Princeton’s Grady Thompson having sophomore success for the University of Dubuque

DUBUQUE, IOWA - While Grady Thompson’s sophomore season didn’t get started off on good footing he’s now flourishing for the University of Dubuque basketball team.

The former Princeton All-Stater, who played his way through an early-season ankle injury, is ranked second in minutes (27.1), scoring (12.8) and rebounding (4.6). He’s playing a key role in the Spartans' success on the way to a 14-4 start, undefeated in seven games in the month of January.

Thompson scored 17 points in his first start at full strength in the Spartans' fourth game of the season, defeating Benedictine University 87-77. The Spartans have gone 13-2 since.

“Obviously my role has changed this year. Last year I was our sixth man. This year, I’m starting, second (scoring) option,” he said. “Honestly, our first option changes each night. We’ve got a lot of guys who can just go score. And I’m kind of being more of a leader on the team, i guess. I’m definitely faster, stronger, more athletic.

“I haven’t shot the ball as well as Id like. I shot 45% from 3 last year. I haven’t really done that this year yet. I feel like finishing-wise, I’ve done a lot better. So I think just a little bit more efficiency is what I’d look for more out of myself, but other than that I’m happy with it.“

With the expanded role, Thompson is having more fun this season than last.

“More playing time and I feel the team is more connected this year,” he said.

UD coach Robbie Sieverding is pleased with how Thompson has grown into his bigger role this season and sees even bigger things to come.

“Grady has worked hard to improve his game and has really stepped up this season. He is finally healthy and has been playing well,” Sieverding said. “Our team is playing well the past few weeks and a big reason why is Grady and his overall development. Grady has also been more vocal and improved on the defensive end as well.

“We still believe Grady has his best basketball ahead of him and his work ethic is great so we are excited to see him keep improving.”

Thompson drew a fan club of 15 strong from Princeton for Saturday’s home game, including members of the Princeton Christian Academy high school boys basketball team. He attended PCA at the elementary level before taking his game to Princeton High School and becoming a First Team All-Stater and all-time leading scorer for the Tigers' Sweet 16 team in 2022-23.

“It means a ton. I’m grateful for these guys. They mean the world to me,” he said.

He didn’t disappoint the Grady Thompson Fan Club, knocking down both of his 3-point attempts and shooting 2-2 from the free throw line, scoring eight points in the Spartans' 95-71 win over Simpson College.

Thompson has some company from the Illinois Valley this season with the addition of freshman Josh Senica from LaSalle-Peru. The Cavaliers' No. 2 all-time leading scorer is receiving more playing time as of late, scoring six points in seven minutes off the bench on Saturday.

“He’s getting some minutes and he’s doing really well,” said Thompson, noting that the two have plans to go ice fishing soon.

Sieverding said Senica has a bright future for the Spartans.

“Josh is strong and is starting to figure out how to use his body and we expect him to be a big contributor moving forward,” Sieverding said. “He rebounds the ball so well and is continuing to work on his ball skills and shooting.

“He has a chance to make a big impact moving forward and is already getting valuable minutes as a freshman.”

The Spartans stand all alone atop the American Rivers Conference standings at 8-1 with a key game with second-place Nebraska Wesleyan (14-4, 7-2) looming ahead on Wednesday at home.

“Win conference, go to the national tournament. Hopefully make a run there. That’s our goals,” Thompson said.