Could junior J.T. Thomas be this year’s version of Leroy
Isler for UALR?
Early indications are yes.
When UALR snagged Leroy Isler last summer, it was late in
the recruiting game. Isler proved more than solid as a junior becoming both a
defensive stopper and a competent offensive player.
In the same way, UALR snagged Thomas this year.
UALR had a scholarship to give after the departure of John
Gillon to Colorado State. Coach Steve Shields had already signed one point
guard in juco transfer Devonte Smith (which led to Gillon leaving). Knowing he
could use sophomore Josh Hagins at both point and shooting guard, UALR signed
Thomas.
I’ll admit it. When they signed Thomas I wasn’t sure. His
numbers weren’t out of this world at Chipola JC where he averaged 4.8 points,
1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists. That was two seasons ago. He didn’t play last
year.
But Thomas’ story goes much, much deeper. He was a highly
recruited high school player out of New Orleans. He went to Toledo in 2010 but
was injured most of the year as he averaged 4.5 points.
He wasn’t in basketball shape yet when UALR traveled to
Calgary, Canada, to play three exhibition games this summer. Again, his numbers
won’t blow you away. Thomas played a team-high 72 minutes, averaging 4.7
points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
But it’s Thomas’ role in non-statistical aspects of the game
that makes things work. And as the three games in Canada took place, it became
more and more apparent that Thomas was a guy the UALR coaching staff had to
have on the floor.
“He’s a complete team-first guy,” Shields said of Thomas. “Those
guys are hard to find.”
And much like Isler, UALR appears to have found a late gem.