Florida Gulf Coast University seniors Brett Comer and Bernard Thompson have a connection that’s moved beyond the basketball court and for them it’s family.
“The last four years with Brett have been amazing,” Thompson said. “He’s my best friend. He’s been like my brother.”
Thompson and Comer are the most prolific senior backcourt in the NCAA today with the duo combining for 3,191 points, 1,041 assists, 260 games played, 253 games started and 7,713 minutes in their four years.
Comer and Thompson will forever be remembered for their “Dunk City” run to the Sweet 16 in 2013 going through No. 2 seed Georgetown and No. 7 seed San Diego State.
“Just being out there on the court after we won with all the guys and the fans that all traveled out there is just stuff you will never forget,” Comer said. “It has to be the best basketball memory or thing that I’ve ever accomplished along with everybody in this gym.”

The accomplishments go on and on for this duo, but the bond they’ve made at FGCU and on the court at Alico Arena is forever.
“Ever since the summer of 2011, we’ve always been together, lived together, and grown together,” Comer said. “Obviously, I love playing with the guy on the court and off the court we’re great friends. Just having someone to learn the ropes with, especially when there was really no older guys at our position to teach us how to do it, looking back it’s been fun learning and building together.”
Comer and Thompson came to FGCU in the fall of 2011, when crowds to games averaged a mere 1,775 for the 4,600 maximum capacity of Alico Arena. With the Sweet Sixteen run and the growing fan base, the Eagles are averaging 4,367 fans a game.
“Obviously, it’s a lot more fun with a bigger crowd I think even for the people watching the game,” Comer said. “Now it’s loud and fun, it’s a great environment for us on the court, too, because we build off crowds and what kind of energy is in the gym. I think the crowd messes up other teams because they are surprised by all the distractions in the crowd.”
The duo will leave FGCU as the most decorated backcourt in program history and the legacy they’ve made at FGCU will be talked about for years to come.
“It has been a really good four years for us,” Thompson said. “We brought the community together, we’ve brought a lot of people to the school, and leaving that type of legacy here is a great feeling. We made an impact here at FGCU and the city of Fort Myers to give these people something to look forward to during the basketball season.”