Thompson gives OSU their highest signee ever

Oregon State signed a pair of talented prospects in small forward Zach Reichle and shooting guard Ethan Thompson.

They signed during the early signing period, which started on Wednesday. They will play their senior seasons and enroll at Oregon State next year.

"We are very excited to announce our 2017 signees," Tinkle said. "Both young men come from incredible high school programs and sensational families. They both do an unbelievable job in school. We are excited to not only be adding very talented basketball players, but great young men who get it done in the classroom, in the community and on the court. We are thrilled to add Zach and Ethan to our program."

With Thompson sitting at No. 49 in the Rivals150, he is the highest rated Oregon State signee in the Rivals.com era. He does not have much room for error however, as his older brother, Stephen Thompson Jr., finished as the No. 50 overall player in the class of 2015.

"He’s a multi-purpose guard who can play the point or off the ball," Tinkle said about Ethan Thompson. "Probably any number of positions. He’s a highly-skilled, very-competitive, tough-nosed perimeter player who will add a lot of talent to our group. He’s a very capable defender, loves to mix it up and loves to guard the other team’s best player. He also rebounds it very well for a guard. He brings toughness and we are looking forward to having him in a Beaver uniform. I know he’ll do great things for us."

"We're just elated with the addition of Ethan. He comes from an incredible family and is a very talented player. He has similar size to his brother, Stevie Jr., but I think brings some different things to the table. He can score it at all three levels. He's very competitive and a lockdown defender."

Both Thompson and Reichle are incredible students as well. Thompson has an impressive 4.17 GPA at Bishop Montgomery H.S. in Gardena, California.

"He's an unbelievable student; he's really driven," Tinkle said. "It's a credit to his parents. Obviously, they've made that a priority as Stevie Jr. is a great student as well. We talk about character; it's more about just putting the ball in the hoop. We want well rounded men to come into this program, and we help to develop them. It's neat that he's another disciplined and dedicated high character kid."