They’ve got next: Grand Rapids Christian duo is destined for stardom

Grand Rapids Christian juniors Connor Johnson, left, and Carl Thompson have been waiting their turn. Now the duo will start for the Eagles and could have huge years.  (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Connor Johnson hauled in a rebound and kicked the ball out to teammate Carl Thompson, who drained an easy 3-pointer during a recent Fall Ball game.

Another time down the floor, Thompson started a breakaway and passed to a sprinting Johnson, who threw down a dunk.

The Grand Rapids Christian juniors are like Yin and Yang. 

Casual high school basketball fans may have never heard of Thompson and Johnson, but they will. The duo are two of the best juniors in West Michigan entering the 2024-25 season.

“They aren’t getting much pub yet because their roles on varsity weren’t there before,” Grand Rapids Christian coach Eric Taylor said. “They’ll surprise some people. They’ll be like ‘where did those guys come from?’”

Thompson is a 6-foot-4, 175-pound guard and Johnson is a 6-foot-7, 190-pound forward. Neither got much playing time last year, because Grand Rapids Christian had five senior starters, who led the Eagles to a 26-3 record and would make it all the way to the Division 2 state title game.

Grand Rapids Christian junior Carl Thompson shoots a 3-pointer during a Fall Ball game at Cornerstone University on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Thompson said it was fun being apart of such a great team.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “Being young … I was just taking it all in. I wasn’t a big impact player, but seeing how they played and learning from them was big. The crowds at the Breslin were huge. It was super fun.”

Said Johnson: “Being at the Breslin was unreal and how much support we got. The fans filled up the bottom bowl (of seats). I didn’t play much (on varsity), but I learned a lot. I got to practice with them. We’ve got really good coaches that really push us. I’m excited for what we’ve got this year.”

Taylor has seen Thompson and Johnson play a lot this summer and fall and likes what he sees. 

“I’m excited about both of those guys,” Taylor said. “They both have a high ceiling. Both have different dynamics. I’m loving what I’ve seen with Connor. It’s nice to see him and Carl and Ajak (Gieu). They are putting their time in. And the fruits of their labor will work out.”

Grand Rapids Christian junior Connor Johnson plays in a Fall Ball game at Cornerstone University on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Thompson averaged five points a game in limited playing time and Johnson averaged 16 points per game on JV. He also played a handful of games on varsity using the five-quarter rule, where he could play four quarters on JV and one on varsity.

“I’m asking them to go from zero to 100,” Taylor said. “Carl played a smaller role on varsity and Connor was on the five-quarter role. I’m throwing them into the fire. I think they’ll respond pretty good.”

Neither player has a college offer. But schools have already started to take an interest.

“I got some interest over the summer,” Thompson said. “I talked to Michigan State a little bit. They came to (team ball camp) in Cedar Point. We both went on an unofficial visit to Ferris (State University). I went on an unofficial to Wayne State. I talked to a couple of colleges here and there. But no offers yet.”

Johnson said he’s also had teams from Wayne State, Ferris State and Trine University talk to him.

Former Grand Rapids Christian star Kobe Bufkin, left, and current junior Carl Thompson have a lot of similarities. (Photos | Lenny Padilla).

When Thompson is gliding around the court, if you blur your eyes a little bit, he’s a dead ringer for Kobe Bufkin, a former Grand Rapids Christian star who is now in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks. Taylor, who coached Bufkin, has noticed the similarities. 

“I think Kobe’s been a big inspiration for Carl,” Taylor said. “I know Kobe’s talked to him a bit about the journey. They both have smooth games. It almost looks like he’s not playing hard because he just glides.”

Bufkin, who went on to play at the University of Michigan, didn’t play a whole lot his first two years at Christian, but blossomed his junior year.

“It’s hard to say at this point,” Taylor said. “I think Kobe was a little farther along. There’s a lot of similarities in their games. (Thompson) wants to get to that level as well.”

What does Johnson like about Thompson’s game?

“He’s been playing amazing,” Johnson said of Fall Ball. “He’s the best shooter that I know. His athleticism is great.”

And what does Thompson think about Johnson’s game?

“I like his aggressiveness,” he said. “He’s super tough. Down low, he’s fighting for that rebound. He’s trying his best to play defense on any position. He can shoot the ball, he’s mobile for a big.”

Grand Rapids Christian will lean on senior guard Tyler Davis, who played a big role last season. The Eagles also have guards Aaron Gholston, Ajak Gieu, Braylon Taylor and forwards Ador Mawut and Will Doezema.

Thompson said he’s up for the challenge of the expectations for he and Johnson.

“It’s definitely our year,” he said. “It can be a breakout season for both of us.”