Exclusive chat with Adonis Thomas

Exclusive chat with Adonis Thomas
By Jon Gold on September 28, 2010 12:34 PM
Inside UCLA
The LA Daily News


Adonis Thomas has been to Los Angeles three times, but he's never been on the UCLA campus.

He knows about the Southern California weather, he knows the food and the people. He's eaten in L.A. and he's met the people himself.

But this weekend, when he ventures to Westwood for an official visit as the No. 2-ranked small forward and No. 8-ranked overall player - one of three in the country still uncommitted - Thomas wants to really feel what UCLA is about.



"I'm familiar with the program, what they've produced, the tradition they have, but I really want to go to see the campus, see the enviornament, the players that are there," Thomas said in a phone interview on Tuesday. "It gives them a chance to really show me what they have to offer. I want to see the academic side of the school, the style of play, what I can expect if I come here.
"This is my third time in LA, first on campus, so I have to really tune in on the visit."

Visiting this weekend along with friend Quinn Cook, the No. 4 point guard in the country, Thomas hopes to get a feel most for the players and Ben Howland's playing style.

"That's great for me to get a chance being with the guys," Thomas said. "I might be there for four years. I want to be familiar with the guys I'll be hanging out with on the off the court. That chemistry off the court leads to success on the court."

UCLA is one of five schools still in the running for Thomas' services, including Memphis, Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida, and he said "all five of the schools all have a great shot right now."

Unimpressed by factors such as weather and location and the quality of campus, Thomas is really just trying to get a grasp of his future development, hoping to become another in a successful line of pros who matriculated at UCLA.

"When I get there, I want to develop," Thomas said. "I want to get to the next level. I want to go to a school that puts me in the league. No, (location, etc.) doesn't matter at all. No matter where I go, the weather's going to be changing."

The biggest sell for Howland and Co. on this trip: Trying to convey that the development of some of the recent stars - Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday - was furthered along by Howland.

"That's one thing I have to see," Thomas said. "I'm a guy who can fit into any type of offensive or defensive strategy. I havent really had a chance to see those guys play, but I've heard he's a really good defensive coach and runs a good pick-and-roll system.
"From what he's produced, they've been successful. I want to be in the league just like those guys."


Comments
Martin said:
Not buying it. Hope he has a great career in the east coast and enjoy your visit.

September 28, 2010 12:57 PM
Reformed Droog said:
Yeah, I tend to agree. Best of luck to the kid, wherever he decides to go, but you have to figure Tennessee or Memphis have him in the bag.

I mean, how interested could he be if he's only "heard [Howland]'s a good defensive coach and runs a good pick-and-roll system"?

September 28, 2010 1:13 PM
Anonymous said:
He just wants a free visit to SoCal. Who wouldn't?

September 28, 2010 2:07 PM
Dallas Bruin said:
I call BS too. "I know the weather is going to be changing?" But for the occasional 113 degree day, it really doesn't- that's the beauty of it. "See the academic side of the school?"- If he is looking for a good academic side, then it is a no brainer among those five schools. "It gives them a chance to really show me what they have to offer"-- Translation- BMW please.... wrong LA school. Smells like Blue Chips to me...

I could be totaly wrong. I hope so. We need the help.

September 28, 2010 2:34 PM
MichaelRyerson said:
you think this guy's got a little entitlement issue going? judging by this, he ain't Bruin material.
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More on Adonis Thomas from ESPN College Basketball Recruiting

Strengths:
Thomas is a multiple-faceted forward who has no true position on the floor, but you could never play without him. At 6'6, he lacks the great height of proto-typical forwards in today's game. However, he more than makes up for it with his combination of quickness, athleticism, and intelligence. He is a match-up nightmare who is too strong and athletic for small forwards to guard and too skilled and quick for power forwards to handle. He proved all summer long to bre a more consistent mid-range jump shooter both off the bounce and the catch. He is a terror on both backboards and plays with a high motor.

Weaknesses:
Thomas is not your 6'8 power forward with great length and size. He can get over-matched defending in the post at times simply because taller opponents can shoot over him. Although, Thomas obviously worked hard on his handle and shot over the past year he struggles at times handling I. The open floor and making good decisions. His perimeter consistency has improved but he lacks consistent range to 22' which helps defenders guard his drive.

Bottom Line:
Overall, he is very talented and a terrific person who makes your program better. His overall skills are very strong and put him in position to get a lot done on the floor, but it's the intangibles that stick out. Thomas is a coach's dream who wins not only games but championships while leaving a lasting impression on your program.

Notes
Travel Teams: Memphis Stallions/Memphis Magic...Wingspan: 82"...Kansas is the final school on his list...Official visits to Tennessee (Sept. 11), Arkansas (Sept. 24), UCLA (Oct. 2), Florida (Oct. 9) and Memphis (Oct. 15)...