If a college basketball player’s toughness is based on the battles one has experienced, then David Thomas is MSU’s “General Patton.”
Thomas, 24 and in his fifth season, said he is thankful for getting more opportunities to play this season after suffering knee and foot injuries in two of his first three playing seasons. The senior guard was redshirted during the1998-99 season.
“My first year I came out and played pretty well, but then I kept having a lot of injures,” said Thomas, who started in MSU’s win at Minnesota Saturday. “I wonder sometimes what my numbers would be like if I didn’t have to sit out all those games. I’m happy though, to get the opportunity to play and have things go well.”
The 6-foot-7 Spartan utility man, who has been at the team’s service playing both guard and forward positions the past four years, said he’s welcomed the challenge. Through 22 games, Thomas is averaging 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
“I think it’s a plus and its only benefited me as a player,” said Thomas, who is unsure of his future plans. “Even if I don’t play basketball after this season, whether it’s business or whatever, I’m versatile.”
While most NBA scouts are drooling over young prospects each season, such as sophomore guard Jason Richardson and freshman center Zach Randolph, MSU head coach Tom Izzo said Thomas has a chance to have a successful professional career.
“There are some people that think he has NBA potential,” Izzo said. “There are some people that have some interest in bringing him into (an NBA training) camp. He's a guy with some versatility and athleticism, with some toughness to him.”
Izzo said Thomas’ experience at point guard, off guard, and forward positions has led to improved play this season and earned him a starting spot Saturday.
“I think he has the versatility now to play a lot of different positions,” Izzo said. “He has a better understanding of the game too - he's posting up more, shooting the ball better, he can handle the ball when we need him to and he's defending both inside and outside guys.”
Izzo said he will always remember what Thomas has done to help the basketball program become one of the nation’s elite. The senior guard was a freshman during the 1996-97 season - Izzo’s second year as head coach - that went 17-12 and 9-9 in the conference.
“David is a player that I will always appreciate because he has always sacrificed for the team, no matter what position he played,” Izzo said.
Senior guard Charlie Bell said Thomas has become a more all-around player during his lengthy tenure as a Spartan - one that some of his teammates like to tease him about.
“There will be times when I’m paired up with him and (senior guard) Mike Chappell and I’ll have to do specific tasks for them that a freshman would do,” Bell said. “With DT being 24, it’s crazy, but we all have to respect our elders.”
