Thomas Making Headlines in Florida

After leading his Flanagan HS to the school’s best ever record, class of 2005 prospect Adrian Thomas has become a pretty popular guy in the state of Florida. The 6-foot-6, 215 pound small forward has been busy doing interviews, photo shoots and answering the call of several colleges that are now inquiring of him.

Thomas helped his Flanagan team achieve a 25-4 record before ending the year in the regional finals. It was the furthest the team had ever gone in the state playoffs. Maybe that’s why he’s been so busy. On Monday, he did two interviews and a photo shoot after earning several regional honors.

“Newspapers have been calling and it’s been pretty good around school lately,” Thomas said. “I’m pretty popular now.”

He has reason to. Thomas averaged 25 points and 12 rebounds on the season and according to the junior, his game improved dramatically over the course of the year.

“I think I went over my expectations because of how good our team was and what we accomplished,” Thomas said. “We did really well and I did pretty god, too.”

His progression isn’t an overnight sensation, either. Thomas has spent hours on end in the gym improving himself and particularly his shooting skills. He said he spends every Wednesday with one of the Flanagan assistant coaches and they won’t leave the gym until Thomas connects on 500 total shots. Other than his jumper, Thomas believes he is a jack of all trades kind of player.

“I’m pretty much an all around kind of guy. I’m not the best shooter and I’m not the best post player and I’m not the best athlete but I’m good at everything,” Thomas said. “Nothing really stands out.”

Something is standing out because a couple of NCAA tournament teams made their way to Central Florida to see Thomas in action. Georgia Tech was courtside as the junior exploded for 32 points. Cincinnati also came down to evaluate him in real time situations. Thomas said Florida State and Ohio State have also been involved in his recruitment.

For coaches wanting to see what the buzz is all about, they can see him with the Team Breakdown AAU program this spring and summer. They will be at the Disney Spring Classic in April and later at the Kingwood Classic in Houston. Thomas will also play at the Nike All-American camp.

“Right now, I’m just trying to get my stock up,” Thomas said. “I’m not really in a hurry. I’m looking to get my name out there some more and then I’ll talk with my parents and coaches and then I’ll look at what colleges are best for me.”