Klay Thompson’s father hinted that his son might make the switch to the Bahamas National Team but Klay himself has now spoken about it.
Klay’s Dad, Mychal hails from the Caribbean country and Klay was asked about playing for the team next summer – since they earned a spot in the one of the Olympic qualifying tournaments.
“When that time comes, I’ll give it serious consideration just because of what the Bahamas has meant to the Thompson family, especially my father,” Thompson said in The Philippines on Thursday.
“He never had a chance to play for the national team just because they didn’t. They just didn’t have the chance back in the’ 70s or the ’80s. And now my brother’s coaching with them is also very cool. But right now, I’m really focused on the season. And when that time comes next summer, I’ll give it consideration.”
The Bahamas wowed everyone in their recent games and their meteoric rise was helped by the injection of NBA players Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon.
Thompson has more family connections than ever in the Bahamas team, since his older brother, Mychel Thompson, is the assistant coach.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished the past few weeks, especially Chris DeMarco, but also Buddy Hield, DeAndre Ayton, Eric Gordon and the rest of the Bahamians,” Thompson said. “Those guys had the biggest win in our country’s history as far as beating Argentina twice on their home soil. Not an easy task. Argentina is one of the best teams in the world. And it’s just gonna do wonders for the country.”
Gordon made the switch from USA to Bahamas allegiance recently after FIBA approved his change of country representation.
Not everyone was happy with FIBA allowing this though, and after the Bahamas beat Argentina twice in a shocking upset, former Argentinian basketball great Andres Nocioni called Gordon out.