Kansas State Basketball Player Preview: Jevon Thomas

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

As we continue looking forward to the start of college basketball season in early November, our early preview of the team’s previews continues with another freshman, #5 Jevon Thomas. Thomas, a point guard, is a true freshman expected to contribute the first time he steps foot on the floor. K-State learned just last week that Thomas won’t be available to mid-December, which significantly changes the dynamic of the starting line-up. Although he enrolled last January, his eligibility was complicated by having attended three high schools and was labeled only a a partial qualifier. Fortunately, he will be available December 21. That’s when K-State faces possibly the biggest game on the non conference slate – versus Gonzaga in Wichita.

Thomas is projected to start at point guard when he becomes available – a spot vacated when Angel Rodriguez chose to transfer to Miami. Without Thomas’s availability, senior guard Will Spradling will slide over to the position, and is expected to move back to the shooting guard position upon his return.

Thomas was a three-star prospect originally from Queens, NY, but went on to St. John’s Northwest Military Academy in Wisconsin. He finished his career at Quality Education Academy in North Carolina, where he averaged 16 points and 12 assists. He originally committed to St. John’s, and then Dayton, but ultimately chose K-State.

Thomas won’t be one of K-State’s leading scorers – that mantel will belong to Shane Southwell and probably Spradling. However, look for him to lead the team in assists once league play starts and he adjusts to the speed of the college game. His double-digit assist average is indicative of a vision and awareness that should serve the team well. Additionally, Thomas is a speedy player who will hopefully remind fans of Denis Clemente.

At just 5’11”, Thomas is yet another quick cog in what should be an up-tempo offense that emphasizes speed over size (primarily because there’s not much of the latter on the team). Fortunately, he’s not afraid to get dirty if need be. Said Thomas upon his commitment to K-State:

"“They are a great rebounding team and they play great defense. They just need more speed and playmakers,” Thomas said. “They are a playmaker or two away from a Big 12 championship. They have good freshman guards coming in. I hope to be one of them.”"

I hope too.

Click a link below to read the rest of our player previews:
Brandon Bolden