Al Thornton

4/17: "Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton added Perry High's Al Thornton to the mix at Florida State. He averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds a game last year." - Insiders

3/28: "Three hours up the road in Perry, Ga., (FSU's Leonard) Hamilton's hiring has excited 6-foot-8 swing player Al Thornton. Thornton, who averaged 27 points and 12 rebounds in earning Class 3-A all-state honors, has expressed interest in FSU. Although some recruiting reports indicated Thornton would commit during his school's Wednesday night banquet, Perry coach Brett Hardy said Thornton is not ready to announce his decision. Georgia and Kentucky are also recruiting Thornton, who may have to first go to junior college because he lacks the required standardized test score." - Tallahassee Democrat

3/25: "Al Thornton scored 28 points and grabbbed 12 rebounds to lead Georgia past Tennessee 108-100 in the 15th annual Coca-Cola High School all-star game Sunday. With Thornton setting the pace, the Georgia team had four other players scoring in double figures to offset Tennessee's Trey Pearson and Josh Goodwin. South Fulton's Pearson and Kingston Spring's Goodwin combined for 50 points. Thornton, from Perry, was named most valuable player for Georgia." - Knownews.com (3 to 5)

3/24/02: "6'8 Sr PF Al Thorton, Perry (HS) GA, has been getting a lot of attention after outstanding play in two all star games. In the Georgia North vs South game, he led all scorers and the south team to victory. He also led Georgia past Tennessee scoring 28 points and 16 rebounds." - Georgia Elite

3/19/02: "We hear Thornton is a solid athlete and leaper, strong scorer both inside and out and plays ahrd at both ends of the floor. Cincy is in very hard on him, you are right." - Bullseye, All Star Report

3/18: "Perry High School standout Al Thornton scored a double-double Sunday afternoon, leading the South All-Stars to a onvincing 97-81 win over their North counterparts in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Boy's All-Star game at the Lumpkin Center. Thornton, a 6-foot-8 forward, electrified the crowd with a 20-point, 11-rebound performance. He hit eight of his nine shots from the floor, including his only 3-point attempt. Of his 11 rebounds, five came at the offensive end. "It felt good to be in this game. There were some good athletes out there," said Thornton, who was named the game's MVP. "I just try and relax and let the game come to me. I didn't expect to have a game like this." Thornton said he's being recruited most heavily by Cincinnati. He took the SAT on Saturday and is awaiting the results to see where he stands academically. "Al Thornton may be the best-kept secret in the state. He can jump, shoot and run the floor," said South coach James Little. - Macon Telegraph

3/18/02: "Monroe High boys coach James Little said his heart was broken Thursday, when he was told Georgia signee Alexander Johnson of Dougherty wouldn't be playing for him in the GACA North-South All-Star basketball game. Then along came Al Thornton, who Little would later decide was "the best-kept secret in the state." Thornton, a 6-foot-8 post player from Perry High, had 20 points and 11 rebounds as the South defeated the North 97-81 on Sunday. "I didn't expect to have a good game like this with so many good players," Thornton said. "I was just excited that I played so well." Thornton filled the void inside, scoring nine points during the critical 37-13 run in the second half. Three of his baskets came on breakaway dunks. Thornton indicated he was leaning toward Cincinnati, pending a satisfactory SAT score. "He's going to be a heck of a player," Little said. "He handles well, he's got good size, he shoots well. He might be the best-kept secret in the state." - Atlanta JC


Al Thornton is a 6-6 swingman. Thornton is a kid with a real long frame. For his high school team Al is asked to play down-low alot. He has been an unselfish team player, but he will be a swingman on the next level. Al has a frame that could easily add 15-30 lbs of muscle. Once Al beefs up and hones his perimeter skills the sky is the limit. Al is a complete player who has three point range. Mr. Thornton is a deft passer as well. Thornton reminds me of a Steve Grayer/Earl Wise type. He's a great shotblocker and he's a decent ball handler. Thornton is eager to learn and is a hard worker. Like Cherry, Thornton wants to play in the ACC or SEC. Al plays football as well. This year as a senior wide receiver Al had close to 20 receptions. However, Al’s first love is basketball and he wants to play that sport on the next level.

12/13/01: Named to the Atlanta Journal all state pre-season team. (also Corey Gibbs and Alexander Johnson)