Zach Thomas (basketball)
Thomas in a January, 2018 game | |
Okapi Aalstar | |
---|---|
Position | Power forward |
League | Pro Basketball League |
Personal information | |
Born |
Maplewood, Minnesota | June 21, 1996
Nationality | American |
Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
Listed weight | 228 lb (103 kg) |
Career information | |
High school | Oakdale (Ijamsville, Maryland) |
College | Bucknell (2014–2018) |
NBA draft | 2018 / Undrafted |
Playing career | 2018–present |
Career history | |
2018–present | Okapi Aalstar |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Zachary Ryan Thomas (born June 21, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for Okapi Aalstar of the Pro Basketball League. He played college basketball for Bucknell University.
College career
A 6'7" power forward, Thomas came to Bucknell from Oakdale High School in Ijamsville, Maryland. Thomas had a standout career at Oakdale, ultimately becoming the all-time leading scorer in Frederick County history and the first player to eclipse the 2,000 point mark.[1] He selected Bucknell based on their basketball success and academic reputation.[2]
Thomas worked his way into the starting lineup in his sophomore season, then enjoyed a breakout season as a junior in 2016–17. He averaged 15.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, and was ultimately named to first-team All-Patriot League alongside classmate Nana Foulland.[3] In the 2017 Patriot League Tournament, Thomas led the Bison to the league title, scoring 17 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the title game, earning Most Valuable Player honors.[4][5] With the win, the Bison advanced to the 2017 NCAA Tournament, where they lost to 4 seed West Virginia in the first round.
Thomas entered the 2017–18 season as a preseason All-Patriot League selection.[6] Additionally, he was named to the Lou Henson Award mid-season watch list.
On February 26, 2018 Thomas was named Patriot League Player of the Year.[7]
Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Thomas was later included in the 2018 NBA Summer League roster of the Utah Jazz.[8] On July 27, 2018, Thomas signed with Okapi Aalstar in Belgium.[9]
References
- ↑ Swatek, Greg (February 1, 2014). "Oakdale's Zach Thomas scores 2,000 point". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ↑ Markus, Don (November 17, 2017). "Balancing act for Bucknell's Zach Thomas always leans toward basketball". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ↑ "2016-17 Men's basketball All-Patriot League team and major awards announced". Patriot League. February 27, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ↑ Gelston, Dan (March 8, 2017). "Bucknell tops Lehigh 81-65 in Patriot League final". Associated Press. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ↑ Jones, Gordie (March 8, 2017). "Zach Thomas, Bucknell again fully immersed in the madness". American Sports Network. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ↑ Miller, Stephen (October 18, 2017). "Lehigh picked fourth in Patriot League men's basketball poll; Lafayette pegged for 10th". The Morning Call. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ↑ "Men's basketball 2017-18 All-Patriot League teams and major awards announced (2.26.18)" (Press release). Patriot League. February 26, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
- ↑ "Jazz Announce Mini-Camp Roster for 2018 Summer League". NBA.com. June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
- ↑ "Okapi Aalstar signs rookie Zach Thomas". Sportando. July 27, 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2018.