Just going to say this and get out of the way: The stories about Klay Thompson’s three years at Washington State are as delightful and on-brand — for both Thompson and the Cougars — as you could hope.



But first WSU had to get Thompson to Pullman.



Ben Johnson, assistant coach: I called Tony Bennett in the middle of the night. He was in Australia recruiting Aron Baynes and Brock Motum. I woke Tony up and just said, “Listen, call Mychal Thompson and get the ball rolling on this thing.” Tony was able to do that, and Klay came up on a visit. Klay is not a man of many words. … He literally said three words the entire visit.



Tony Bennett, head coach (2006-09): I remember I reached out, and when I got back, I went guns blazing after him. I loved his quiet strength, his humility. … I also remember he missed his connection or something. We still laugh about that.



Abe Lodwick, forward: He didn’t give a whole...