Thomas became the first Syracuse performer to be named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year...Thomas also received second-team All-BIG EAST recognition...He ranked third in Division I in blocked shot average last winter (4.0)...He won the BIG EAST shot-block title for the second straight campaign...Thomas has blocked a shot in 67 consecutive outings...Prior to that, his last game without a rejection was November 15, 1997 against North Carolina-Asheville...He scored in double figures in 14 of his last 16 contests...During that stretch he averaged 14.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks-per-game...He posted back-to-back double-doubles versus Villanova (17 points-10 rebounds) and UConn (11 points-10 rebounds) in the BIG EAST tourney...Thomas made a great impression at the Maui Invitational, earning all-tournament team recognition...Thomas had five blocks in 15 minutes against Chaminade, one shy of the Maui Invitational record...He excelled against Michigan with 17 points, including 11 in the second half...He added nine rebounds...He had a career-high 26 points in 21 minutes versus Quinnipiac...Thomas converted 10-of-12 shots from the floor and six-of-seven free throws...Thomas also blocked six shots and had a team-best eight rebounds...Thomas had his first double-double of the season at West Virginia (10 points-11 rebounds)...Versus Boston College, Thomas tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks in just 17 minutes of play...He was impressive in the South Carolina win with 11 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in 21 minutes...He posted his second double-double of the campaign with 10 points and a then career-best 12 rebounds versus St. John's...Thomas had six blocks for the third straight game...He had a season-best seven blocked shots in the loss to Miami on February 8...He surpassed 500 career rebounds on February 14 at Pittsburgh...He tallied 12 points and 12 rebounds...Thomas had a career-high 16 rebounds against Notre Dame on February 17...He added 22 points, his best offensive showing since the sixth game of the year...In the victory at Boston College, Thomas tallied SU's first 11 points...He completed the evening with 25 points, one shy of his career-best showing...He tied for team honors with nine rebounds...Thomas had the second-best season blocked shot total in SU history with 131...He moved into fifth place on the BIG EAST career ledger...Thomas is 12 away from Georgetown star Dikembe Mutombo...He paced the SU effort in the NCAA Tournament game against Oklahoma State with 21 points. ------------------
I think Thomas would be a good pick as well. He's got the perfect NBA power forward body. Where do you think he'll be drafted. Could the Rockets possibly pick him? I don't think they'll be able to get Mike Miller; I think he'll probably be drafted by Atlanta. ------------------
I'm not real high on Thomas. He's got no offensive game what so ever. He won't get those easy put backs in the NBA. He's got really long arms and is a great shot blocker, but the Rockets need an inside player with some sort of post up ability. I just don't see Thomas being a good fit with us. ------------------
He is one of my favorite prospects for the Rockets. I wouldn't worry about his offense, if we get a great rebounding PF who can play excellent interior D and block some shots, any additional offense is just a bonus. I wouldn't mind having the next Dale Davis, A. Davis or Brian Grant on the roster. If he will be nearly as good as these guys (not saying I know this either way) he will be well worth a 9 pick. ------------------
