"Tennessee is one of the schools that's been recruiting me the longest," Thornwell said when asked about his interest in the Vols' program. "I started hearing from them right after the new staff got here last spring, I can remember talking to coach Kent Williams and having them come by the school. They've been on me as long as anyone has."
The Vols have plenty of company in their pursuit these days. Thornwell is holding offers from the majority of the ACC; Clemson, Virginia Tech, NC State, Florida State and Miami have recently offered as well as Memphis. He also has just become a huge priority for new South Carolina head coach Frank Martin, who Thornwell reports he's heard from in the past week.
"I don't have a top five or anything right now, I plan on taking my time and then I'll narrow things down in the fall and take some official visits," Thornwell said of his plan. "I'll probably make a few trips this spring and summer and when August gets here I'll be able to narrow things down some. I don't want to cut it down to just a few favorites right now."
What are Tennessee's chances of being on that short-list when the time comes?
"I like Tennessee, like I said they've been recruiting me as long as anyone," Thornwell offered. "Coach Martin did a great job coming in this first year. I like him and the staff there, they seem like a really good group of guys, that's important to me, the coaching staff."
Thornwell also has some other definite ideas about what he's looking for in his future college home.
"Style of play is one of the most important things. I definitely want to go somewhere where I fit in and can use my skills. Playing time is a big deal to. I'm not saying I have to start as a freshman but I don't want to go to somewhere and sit behind a lot of guys," Thornwell said of what he's looking for in a program."
There's little doubt that Thornwell would fit into the Vols' style.
An explosive athlete, Thornwell excels on defense where his lateral quickness allows him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter. He uses his length to swoop into passing lanes and contests shots all over the floor.
That defensive effort results in plenty of open-floor opportunities, where Thornwell shows himself to be a powerful finisher. He's also a formidable ball-handler, but isn't close to being satisfied with his game.
"I'm working hard to really extend my range this summer and tighten up my perimeter shot," Thornwell said of his goals this summer. "I want to be an all-around player, I'm just working on tightening up my whole game, but I'm really working on my shot this summer, that's probably my main thing."