Saint Thomas

After two seasons at Loyola Chicago and mental health struggles that he has been very forthright about, Saint Thomas transferred to Northern Colorado and became one of the breakout players in the country. He averaged 19.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 47% from the floor, 33% from behind the arc, and 87% from the free-throw line.

Thomas became more and more of a focal point for the Bears as the season went and gradually earned the ultimate green light. At 6-foot-7, he’s a mismatch problem because he’s physically strong and able to score at all three-ranges. Just a career 25% three-point shooter in two-years at Loyola, he undoubtedly benefitted from high volume at NCU, but knocked down 2 of his 6.2 attempts per game with relatively clean mechanics when his feet were set and he was able to hop into his release. He puts the ball on the floor with a deliberate, methodical style, but he seeks out contact and is crafty in the lane. He’s also adept at scoring over top of smaller defenders, both from the mid-range area and in the mid-post. Thomas is a heady cutter off the ball and capable passer, albeit often in an iso style way, and with a high turnover rate (3/game).

His ability to adjust to less offensive volume and freedom will be important, as too will be his work on the defensive end of the floor. He’s probably going to have an easier time defending fours than threes, but is plenty strong enough to do so, and also a high-volume rebounder. It’s worth noting that while he was instrumental to Northern Colorado’s 19-win season, they were actually a better defensive team with him off the floor per Pivot Analysis.