Klay Thompson unexpectedly returned to Pullman to practice with WSU players.

Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and a proud Washington State University alumnus, made a surprise return to Pullman to practice with the current Cougar basketball team. The visit came as an unexpected treat for both players and fans, as Thompson, now a member of the Dallas Mavericks, chose to reconnect with the place where his journey to NBA stardom truly began. For the young Cougars, it was more than just a practice—it was a moment of inspiration from a player who walked the same campus hallways before reaching basketball’s highest level.

A Homecoming Years in the Making

For WSU fans, the sight of Thompson back in Beasley Coliseum stirred nostalgia. Thompson played three years at WSU from 2008 to 2011, quickly becoming the team’s centerpiece and leaving an indelible mark on the program. His silky smooth shooting stroke, work ethic, and relentless drive to improve made him one of the Pac-10’s most feared guards. By the time he declared for the NBA Draft in 2011, he had already cemented himself as one of the program’s all-time greats, ranking among WSU’s top scorers.

Returning to Pullman wasn’t just about shooting drills or running scrimmages—it was about reconnecting with the roots that shaped him. “It always feels special to come back here,” Thompson reportedly said during his visit. “This is where it all started for me. Pullman will always be home.”

Inspiration for the Current Cougars

For the current WSU players, practicing alongside Thompson was more than just sharing the court with an NBA champion—it was a masterclass in professionalism. Thompson’s presence alone spoke volumes about discipline, preparation, and resilience. Many of the Cougars grew up watching him win titles with the Golden State Warriors, so having the chance to learn directly from him was nothing short of surreal.

Head coach David Riley highlighted the importance of the visit, explaining how much of an impact it can have on the team’s culture. “When our guys see someone like Klay—who’s achieved so much at the NBA level—still coming back to work on his game here, it reinforces everything we preach about commitment and humility,” Riley noted.

The Perfect Timing

Thompson’s return comes at a time of transition in his career. After spending his entire professional life with the Golden State Warriors, he recently joined the Dallas Mavericks, where he will play alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. For Thompson, Pullman offered a grounding moment, a chance to reset and recharge before embarking on a new chapter.

Meanwhile, for WSU, the timing couldn’t have been better. The Cougars are preparing for an upcoming season filled with expectations after making strides in recent years. Training with Thompson gave the young roster a firsthand look at the level of intensity required to compete at the highest levels of basketball.

A Legacy That Lives On

Beyond the championships, All-Star appearances, and iconic three-point barrages in the NBA, Thompson has always carried a strong connection to Washington State University. He’s been vocal about how his time in Pullman shaped not just his game, but also his identity as a player and person. His jersey hangs in the rafters at Beasley Coliseum, reminding every new recruit of the heights a Cougar can achieve.

That bond is part of why Thompson remains a beloved figure in Pullman. Fans who caught wind of his return were thrilled to see him back in Cougar colors, even if only for a practice session. For the younger generation of WSU basketball players, it was a reminder that greatness can come from their very own program.

Looking Ahead

As Thompson gears up for his first season with the Mavericks, the lessons he shared during his Pullman visit will continue to resonate. The Cougars, now carrying the motivation of training alongside one of the NBA’s greatest shooters, will take that experience into their season. For them, it was more than just a workout—it was a glimpse into the mindset of a champion.

For Thompson, the return was another reminder that no matter how many titles he wins or how many three-pointers he drains in the NBA, Pullman will always be where his basketball journey found its wings.

In the end, Klay Thompson’s return was more than an alumni visit. It was a homecoming filled with gratitude, inspiration, and a bridge between past and present, showing WSU’s current generation that their dreams are within reach—because one of their own has already walked that path to greatness.