6’9” Unsigned Sr Bryant Thomas
South Mecklenburg HS / PSB Select Elite 17s
By Jamie Shaw
Bryant Thomas led the nation in blocked shots last year. That is no small feat considering the caliber of player he is listed ahead of. This is an elite statistic.
According to Max Preps, which is a national stat and schedule provider, Bryant Thomas averaged 7.7 blocked shots per game this season. McDonald’s All American Mitchell Robinson averaged 6 blocks per game, Arkansas commit and Top 50 prospect Daniel Gafford tied with Thomas at 7.7 blocks per game, and Florida State signee Ikey Obiagu averaged 7.2 blocks per game.
That is some elite level talent that Bryant Thomas is listed with. What is the difference though, Obiagu, Gafford and Robinson have numerous offers from everyone across the country and are ranked on national ranking lists.
Right now, Bryant Thomas does not hold a single Division 1 offer, a travesty but it is understandable. He played Junior Varsity as a 6’4” sophomore. As a junior, Thomas grew to 6’6” and earned the starting center position where he averaged 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocked shots per game. Solid numbers but nothing earth shattering as a 6’6” junior.
Fast forward to his senior year, Bryant Thomas walks into the doors of South Mecklenburg High School as a lengthy 6’9” post player. He worked hard throughout the summer to better his footwork and hands. Still on the skinny side, he was still a brand new Bryant Thomas. Always with good timing and length on defense, Thomas finished his senior year averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds and a stunning 7.7 blocked shots per game.
Thomas’s travel ball coach Sim Frazier of PSB Select Elite says, “Bryant is just oozing with potential. He is 6’9” with a 7’2” wing span to go with a high motor and great hands. He is the definition of a late bloomer having grown 4” to 5” over just the last year.” Frazier pauses and goes on to say, “Whichever schools go on Thomas will be getting a steal.”
Since his noted performance at Phenom’s Queen City Challenge Thomas has gained heavy interest from the likes of Charlotte, St Francis (PA), Mercer, UNC Wilmington, Ohio, Western Carolina, College of Charleston, Stetson and others. He has rapidly become a hot topic for April, and rightfully so – you are talking about a player who LED THE NATION in blocked shots.
Thomas’ recruitment is very fluid right now. He carries high level D2 offers. However, there is no question D1s will come into the mix. Some high level D1s are talking about redshirts, low to mid D1s are talking about coming in immediately and high level prep schools are offering full rides to bring him on campus. There are a lot of moving pieces here, but rest assured numerous colleges will be tracking Thomas’ every move in Spartanburg.
College Coaches – Make sure you get to Spartanburg, South Carolina on April 21-23 to watch Bryant Thomas with his PSB Select Elite team.