Beltway Sport’s had a chance to catch up with Bishop McNamara’s guard Marcus Thornton. Marcus was WCAC Player of the Week for his amazing games against PVI, O’Connell and Takoma, scoring 32 against PVI, 34 against O’Connell and 18 against Takoma. Marcus committed to William in Mary College in VA, under the direction of head coach Tony Shaver. I got to speak briefly with Marcus about his choice in W&M, off season workout and future plan as a Tribe.
Me: After an outstanding year, you have chosen to attend William & Mary in VA for Fall 2011, what was the reason behind that choice?
MT : Well they recruited me the most, showed me the most love from the schools I visited and when I went down to the campus, they had a great campus. Nice size campus. I got to shoot around with some of the current players, which was nice and the academics of the school were great as well. That was really important to me.
Me: Did you turn down any larger schools for W&M?
MT: Not really, when the time I committed, they were one of the bigger schools. It wasn’t until later in my senior year that larger schools started to show some interest so I didn’t really turn down anyone.
Me: With that impressive senior year, how do you feel about a lot of players from the DMV area not getting recruited earlier until later on in their senior year?
MT: It is what it is, I knew coming to my senior year that I wasn’t heavily recruited but you just have to live with it. That’s the way it is. I just have to work out and keep getting better, improving my game. I kept my mind straight and stay focused and it worked out for me.
Me: Speaking of working out, what improvements are you looking to do this summer into the next season.
MT: Anything and everything dealing with basketball but mostly my strength at this point. I’ll getting in the weight room and putting on the right weight to build me up. But other then that improving on my shooting, ball handling and agility.
Me: I know that you and your trainer have been working on your game, what is the most important thing you guys have been working on.
MT: The elevation on my shot, I think that’s a big reason why I score as well as I do and again just balling handling skills.
Me: Now you picked a college that is in VA and with the recent success of VA schools in the bracket including VCU, George Mason and Richmond, what are you hoping to bring that same success to W&M?
MT: Oh yeah, hopefully next year I get a chance to come in and make a big impact with the W&M. Being able to help my team get to that tournament and get those type of accomplishments.
Me: Thank you Marcus for you time and best of luck to you in the upcoming school year.
MT: Anytime, Thank you
