Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.
Blair Thompson CC’26 Signs Professional Contract with the Leicester Riders
8/3/2026 12:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Thompson inks deal with oldest professional basketball team in the UK
NEW YORK — Columbia men's basketball alumnus Blair Thompson '26CC has signed professionally with the Leicester Riders of the Super League Basketball in Great Britain.
Thompson embarks on his professional career after starting all 28 games and averaging 11.4 points per game for the Lions as a senior in 2025-26.
The New York, New York native pulled down his 500th career rebound in the Jan. 24 win at Dartmouth, becoming the first Lion to achieve the feat since Mark Cisco in 2012-13. Thompson joined Gary Raimondo '99CC as the only other Lion to have 500 rebounds and 100 steals in their Columbia careers. He finished his career as a Lion tied for ninth in games played (108). Thompson's 108 steals rank eighth all-time in program history.
Thompson recorded a double-double on Nov. 21 at Lehigh with 11 points and 10 rebounds. On Jan. 5 at Cornell, Thompson scored a career-high 26 points on Jan. 5 at Cornell and was 12-12 from the free throw line. Thompson was named Academic All-Ivy League following the conclusion of the season.
The Riders are one of Great Britain's most successful teams, having won 19 titles in the top tier of basketball in the UK. The Riders have been one of the premiere teams in British basketball over the last decade, winning the most titles of any team over that period.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, search Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or follow on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Thompson embarks on his professional career after starting all 28 games and averaging 11.4 points per game for the Lions as a senior in 2025-26.
The New York, New York native pulled down his 500th career rebound in the Jan. 24 win at Dartmouth, becoming the first Lion to achieve the feat since Mark Cisco in 2012-13. Thompson joined Gary Raimondo '99CC as the only other Lion to have 500 rebounds and 100 steals in their Columbia careers. He finished his career as a Lion tied for ninth in games played (108). Thompson's 108 steals rank eighth all-time in program history.
Thompson recorded a double-double on Nov. 21 at Lehigh with 11 points and 10 rebounds. On Jan. 5 at Cornell, Thompson scored a career-high 26 points on Jan. 5 at Cornell and was 12-12 from the free throw line. Thompson was named Academic All-Ivy League following the conclusion of the season.
The Riders are one of Great Britain's most successful teams, having won 19 titles in the top tier of basketball in the UK. The Riders have been one of the premiere teams in British basketball over the last decade, winning the most titles of any team over that period.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, search Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or follow on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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