Ex-Stanford star returns to college, transfers to Notre Dame

Lili Thompson, announced over the summer, she would not be returning to Stanford to complete her final year of college eligibility.

Today, Thompson announced via Twitter, that she has decided to reconcile her decision to skip her last year of eligibility, and will suit up for Notre Dame in the 2017-2018 season.

Questions swirled over the summer when news broke that Thompson would not be returning to Stanford to finish her senior season. It was a red flag as Thompson had a solid career for the Cardinal, with averages of 14.7 points per game and 3.5 assists in her junior season. In her three seasons with Stanford, she averaged 12 points per game and dished out 295 assists.

Back in July, the Mercury News reported, it was Thompson’s father, Greg, who sent a text message saying his daughter would remain at Stanford on scholarship so she could graduate with her class, however, would not return on the court.

The Mercury said Greg, and a spokesman for head coach Tara VanDerveer both declined to answer any questions of why Thompson would not play basketball for the Cardinal 2015-2016 season.

Based on Thompson’s tweet, it seems that she had contemplated getting ready for the WNBA Draft, which could be a reason behind her not playing for Stanford for her fourth year, but speculation remains until a direct answer comes from Thompson.

Thompson, who was in attendance with her father at Notre Dame’s game against Wake Forest tonight (Jan. 5), where she signed her letter of intent with the Fighting Irish following the game, per the ND Insider’s report.

The timing of Thompson’s transfer comes at a good time, as starting point guard Lindsay Allen, is a senior this season, which allows for Thompson to more than likely slide right into the spot with her experience as a point at Stanford.

"I enjoyed my time at Stanford, but decided not to use my last year of eligibility there. After a layoff, I decided I wanted to finish my college career at Notre Dame. They have great players, a great coaching staff and great academics — why not,” Thompson said in an interview before the Fighting Irish took the court Thursday evening, as reported by the ND Insider.