Topic: Tyrus Thomas

Tyrus Wayne Thomas (born August 17, 1986 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is an American professional basketball player who played one season of college basketball at Louisiana State University and is a member of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

In high school, Thomas was only 5-10 as a freshman. In high school, Thomas tried out for his varsity basketball team but was cut. He only played organized basketball in his junior and senior years at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, but never really built up enough recruiting hype to be considered a top 100 prospect. As a junior he was a mere 6-6 and 190 pounds, and when he officially committed to LSU, they did not initially have a scholarship for him. One later opened up when a JUCO recruit was kicked off his team and his scholarship offer was rescinded. Thomas grew to 6-7 ½, 200 pounds as a high school senior, and averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks per game, good enough for the all-second team in Louisiana.

In the 2005–2006 season, Thomas was a redshirt freshman and moved into the starting lineup as a power forward. Because of his leaping ability, Thomas developed a reputation as an outstanding shot blocker, rebounder, and dunker during his time at LSU. Thomas was named SEC Freshman of the Year following a 2005–06 campaign in which he took the Tigers by storm by when he averaged 12.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 26 minutes per game on over 60% shooting from the field. Thomas was also recognized as the NCAA Atlanta Region MVP in the NCAA Tournament after combining for 30 points against the likes of Duke and Texas.