Mike Thomas admits that he was unsure of his collegiate future two weeks ago. But with a new head coach in place and teammates rallying alongside, Thomas is now focused on preparing for a junior season with the University of Hawai’i basketball team.
“I have to step up my leadership, I think, where ever it is, and really look after my teammates,” the 6-foot-7 forward said. “I’m an older guy now, so it’s on me.”
Thomas started 23 games as a sophomore last season, and averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. When then-acting head coach Benjy Taylor was asked to apply for the open position of head coach, Thomas and the other Warriors were wary of the program’s future.