Texas lands big man

With Texas facing the possibility of losing much of its frontline, the Longhorns dipped into a familiar source to land a big man.

2011 three-star prospect Kevin Thomas of the Grassroots Canada travel club is the latest Texas addition. Two former Grassroots Canada players- Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson- currently play for Texas. Fellow five-star prospect Myck Kabongo of Grassroots Canada will play for Texas next season.

"With the pending departure of Gary Johnson and possible departure of Tristan Thompson and Jordan Hamilton to the NBA, Texas really picked up their recruitment of Kevin," said Thomas' travel team coach Ro Russell. "Then Myck, with his relationship with Kevin through AAU and the Canadian National Junior team, got involved and told Kevin it would be a great opportunity for them to play together. They could be a great tandem like Corey and Tristan.

"After he visited Texas with his family a few weeks ago, Kevin really became interested. Compared to his other options he preferred the stability, style of play and coaching of Texas."

Russell named New Mexico, Seton Hall and Wake Forest as schools that had offered Thomas. Arkansas, Georgetown, Marquette and UConn had shown interest.

Thomas, a 6-foot-7 power forward, averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds per game for Creedmoor (N.C.) Christian Faith Center Academy this year.