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Senior guard Dijon Thompson, shown here playing for UCLA, led Hank’s Team CTS to its second

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In a league whose motto is “Get Exposure or Get Exposed,” all the hype was on UCLA’s Dijon Thompson in his team’s championship game at the Nike Los Angeles College Pro-City Summer League Championship on Saturday.

Thompson led Hank’s Team CTS to a convincing victory over FUNN Squad 100-90, giving the team its second consecutive title.

In front of an A-list of NBA, college and high school basketball stars, Thompson used his 6-foot-7 frame and long range shooting ability to dominate FUNN Squad’s collection of talent from mid-major conferences.

“I was able to post up a lot more tonight because of our match-ups with them,” Thompson said. “I have been trying to use my size against smaller guards to get to the foul line more and become a better low post scorer for my team.”

Thompson’s shooting efficiency in the final game and his 10 rebounds helped his team overcome a nine-point halftime deficit. Thompson made 7-of-10 field goals, including two three-pointers, for a total of 18 points.

Exhibiting his high fitness level, Thompson played every minute of the competition and controlled much of the fourth quarter as Hank’s Team CTS began to pull away in the final minutes.

Thompson was also integral in sparking a third quarter comeback where Hank’s Team CTS outscored FUNN Squad 30-18.

“We really took over the game in the third quarter,” Thompson said. “It feels good to win the title again because it gets pretty competitive out there in the playoffs.”

In a league dominated by mid-major talent, Thompson is one of the league’s featured players. Because of that, players from schools such as San Diego State, Cal State Northridge or Cal State Fullerton constantly look to make a name for themselves by taking it to Thompson game after game.

“I am used to everyone playing harder against UCLA during the year so it isn’t anything different,” Thompson said. “It just forces you to be more sharp and focused during the game and play at a higher level.”

Thompson’s physical talents were evident during the game’s crucial stages as he continued to use his size to easily shoot over the smaller guards and get to the foul line with his low-post play.

“I got some open looks at the end of the game and some easy fast break points,” Thompson said. “We were in control most of the fourth quarter and (we didn’t want them to) get too close.”

Over the course of the summer league, Thompson has steadily improved on his defense, which he showcased during the championship game picking off four steals.

Hank’s Team CTS roster remained in tact following last year’s championship squad with the exception of former Bruin Trevor Ariza.

“You always play to win and for the other guys on the team,” Thompson said. “Our goal was to win this tournament before the summer started, and it is a good way for us older guys to end our careers in the summer league on top.”