Canadian Duo Kevin Thomas, Shane Reader Set for Decisive Season at Palm Beach State
Former Texas Longhorn commit, Kevin Thomas (Pickering, ON) has been a year removed from the high school scene where he spent half his time at Pickering High, and the other half at CFCA in North Carolina.
Thomas was set to join fellow Canadian Myck Kabongo, however was deemed ineligible, thus heading to Florida to attend Palm Beach State junior college. The 6’8 hybrid forward was NPH #3-ranked player in the nation in the class of 2011, behind only Myck Kabongo (Texas) & Khem Birch (UNLV).
He is currently being recruited by Minnesota, Oregon, St Bonaventure, Marshall, Washington State and Tennesse, while working on taking his game to new heights.
“Coming out of high school, I was more of a 4-3…but over past year and summer I have worked on becoming a legit small forward by working on my perimeter game; my ball handling, extending range and bringing up the ball,” Thomas told NPH.
At Palm Peach State last season, Thomas was the only freshman starter and averaged a stat line of 8.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.8 SPG & 2.3 BPG while shooting a scorching 62% from the field. To further highlight his improved perimeter game, Thomas shot 88% (7/8) from the three-point line!
Although he was not the first option on the team, he was able to produce in other ways. However, this season there are different expectations.
“Last year my job was rebounding, defence and blocking shots…coach wants me to be the go-to guy this year, a leader and a captain. My role has changed for the good,” said Thomas.
Fellow Canadian Shane Reader (Toronto, ON) who attended Runnymede and Father Henry Carr in high school, joins Kevin Thomas at Palm Beach State following a season at Northwest College (JUCO) and most recently sitting out a year last season.
“He is a great talent…he’s quick and can push the rock with good court vision,” described Thomas, referring to Reader.
During his senior year at Father Henry Carr, the 6’0 lead guard was receiving interest from Eastern & Western Michigan. His recruitment has cooled down since then, however it looks to be a big year for the Canadian duo, which can change everything.
“I’m one of the main returning sophomores this season so me and KT are both placed right into the leadership role for the young guys,” said Reader.
“Personally on the floor, I think I’m going to have to be real assertive this season and be an extension of the coach while out there because I know he has trust in me and I’m around alot of really talented guys who trust me and have good attitudes; so it should make my job a lot easier.”
Reader and Thomas will have two years of eligibility left following the 2012-2013 campaign.
Both players have a positive outlook, while Thomas comments on his future school (NCAA), after his final JUCO year.
“I want to come in and make an impact, get back on the map and pursue my dream.”
In the meantime, a decisive upcoming season awaits.
