2025 Four-Star Small Forward Chooses Florida Gators Committed To Spartans women’s Basketball Over Major SEC Competitors

2025 Four-Star Small Forward Chooses Florida Gators Over Major SEC Competitors and Commits to Spartans Women’s Basketball

In a highly anticipated move for the 2025 recruiting class, four-star small forward, Ava Thompson, has made her commitment to Michigan State University’s women’s basketball program, opting for the Spartans over major SEC competitors, including the Florida Gators. Thompson’s decision comes as a major victory for Michigan State, while also showcasing the intense competition and shifting dynamics in the world of women’s college basketball recruiting.

Thompson, a 6-foot small forward from Atlanta, Georgia, has been one of the most highly sought-after players in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Known for her combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, she has made a name for herself as one of the top young talents in the country. During her high school career, Thompson consistently dominated on both ends of the floor, showcasing an ability to score, rebound, and defend with equal effectiveness. Her versatile skill set made her a prized recruit for top programs across the nation.

The University of Florida, along with several other SEC powerhouses such as South Carolina and LSU, had been in the running for Thompson’s commitment. Florida, in particular, had shown a strong interest in adding the talented forward to its roster, as head coach Kelly Rae Finley continues to build a competitive program that is rapidly gaining national attention. However, in a surprising turn of events, Thompson chose Michigan State, a program known for its consistent success in women’s basketball under head coach Suzy Merchant.

Thompson’s decision to commit to Michigan State over SEC contenders has left the basketball world buzzing, especially considering the growing dominance of SEC women’s basketball in recent years. Programs like South Carolina and LSU have seen immense success in recent seasons, including national championships and deep NCAA tournament runs, making them the premier destinations for elite recruits. Despite this, Thompson cited the unique culture, coaching staff, and her belief in the program’s long-term success as primary factors in her decision.

“I’ve always wanted to play for a program that values both development and success, and Michigan State offers exactly that,” Thompson said in her commitment announcement. “Coach Merchant and her staff made me feel like I was part of the team even before I committed. I believe in the direction the program is headed, and I know I’ll have the opportunity to grow and make an impact right away.”

Her decision to choose Michigan State over Florida, LSU, and others reflects a broader trend in women’s college basketball recruiting, where players are increasingly looking for programs that align with their personal values and long-term aspirations, beyond just recent success. Thompson’s choice also speaks to the growing strength of Big Ten women’s basketball, with Michigan State, Indiana, Maryland, and others making major strides in the competitive landscape.

For Florida, Thompson’s commitment is certainly a loss, but the Gators have made significant progress in recent years and are poised to continue building a strong roster under Finley. With a focus on developing players and creating a championship-caliber program, Florida will look to rebound from this recruitment miss by targeting other top recruits in the coming years.

For Michigan State, Thompson’s commitment marks a significant moment in their recruiting efforts, providing the program with a standout player who has the potential to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten. With her skillset and leadership, she could be a cornerstone for the Spartans as they aim for future success in both conference and national competitions.

Thompson’s commitment to Michigan State adds another chapter to what has already been an exciting and unpredictable recruiting cycle in women’s college basketball, as programs from all over the country vie for the next generation of superstars.