Adam Thomas is a very late comer to basketball who has "plenty
of upside," to coin a phrase... he has a chance to follow in the
footsteps of some storied Southern California late-blooming big men
-- Swen Nater and Mark Eaton... Adam played briefly in seventh
grade but didn't try again until a year after high school when
persuaded by a friend... he has dedicated himself to becoming a
player and spent much of the past two summers working out with
players at the University of Kansas... on the Titans' Labor Day
Weekend tour in British Columbia he started twice and averaged 2.3
points and 3.3 rebounds.
PENN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played two seasons for Coach
Marcus Harvey at Penn Valley CC, located in Kansas City,
Missouri... averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore and 2
points and 2 rebounds as a freshman... shot 60 percent from the
floor, second best in school history... made the academic honor
roll... described as "fat, dumpy and awkward" when he arrived, he
promptly lost 70 pounds during conditioning drills.
LEE'S SUMMIT NORTH HIGH SCHOOL: Moved into the district for his
junior season but didn't play basketball.
PERSONAL: Born on March 2, 1985, in Kansas City, Missouri...
parents are William and Teresa Thomas... has three older sisters
(Shelly, Sarah and Sandy)... Criminal justice major who hopes to go
into law enforcement, corrections or probation... most memorable
sports thrill was playing against another 7-footer for Missouri
State West Plains and scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds...
was working in a grocery store before deciding to give basketball a
try.