KC's Thornton commits to LSU

Marcus Thornton had a who's who list of major college basketball programs to choose from. But when it came to the Kilgore College standout's final choice, it came down to two simple factors: A chance to have an immediate impact and an opportunity to go home.

Home is Baton Rouge, La., and Thornton plans on returning there, making an oral commitment to Louisiana State. LSU beat out Florida, which repeated as national champions on Monday. Other schools that competed for Thornton included Connecticut, Maryland, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Illinois, Kansas and Kansas State.

Thornton went to high school at Baton Rouge Tara. Thornton's mother and brother — Nancy West and Jonathan Thornton — live in Baton Rouge.

"Marcus wanted to go home. That's exactly what it was," Kilgore coach Scott Schumacher said.

Thornton was the 2006-07 Region XIV Player of the Year. Despite frequently being the emphasis of opposing defenses, he led the conference with 26.9 points per game. A 6-4 guard, Thornton shot 58.6 percent from the field, 80.6 percent from the free-throw line and made 74 3-pointers.

Thornton originally planned on playing for Arizona out of high school, but did not make the required score on the ACT.

Thornton said he made campus visits to Kansas, Kansas State and LSU. Several of the head coaches competing for Thornton attended Kilgore College games in person this season, including Bill Self of Kansas and Gary Williams of Maryland.

"I feel comfortable being at home and being near my family," Thornton said. "The other schools I visited, they have scorers coming back and I think I would have a reduced role. If I go to LSU, I know I'll have an impact right away."

Oral commitments are non-binding. The next date junior college transfers can sign with a college is Wednesday.

Schumacher said Thornton has received the most major college attention at Kilgore since center Francisco Elson in 1997. Elson currently plays in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.

LSU was 17-15 in 2006-07, but advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Final Four in 2005-06.

One of the top players at LSU the last two seasons, 6-9 center Glen "Big Baby"Davis, declared early for the NBA draft last month. In high school, Glen Davis played for Baton Rouge University.

"I played against Glen in high school. I was hoping he would come back," Thornton said jokingly. "I'll try to do what I can without him."

Thornton is expected to play for the Region XIV All-Stars in the NJCAA Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Classic on April 21 at Kilgore College's Masters Gymnasium.