Meet Thomas; Donte' Thomas

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Donte' Thomas is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Portland Trailblazers. During his collegiate career where he starred at UConn alongside Kemba Walker, he had career averages of 14ppg, 7rpg and 4apg. He was highly recruited out of high school, and his final decision came down to UConn where he chose the Huskies over UCLA, Arizona, Indiana, Duke and North Carolina.

During his junior year at UConn he averaged 17ppg, 9rpg and 4apg where he was named an NCAA All-American alongside teammate Kemba Walker. Although Kemba Walker was the star of the team, many believed Thomas was the better player because of his all-around contributions, and rightfully so, he was drafted in the First Round 7th Pick by the Portland Trailblazers, 2 picks ahead of college teammate Kemba Walker.

In his rookie year, Thomas averaged 22ppg 6rpg, and 6apg, the only rookie to a average at least 22+, 6+ and 6+ since since the Big O, Oscar Robertson. His season would be cut short due to a broken left forearm, where he would eventually miss the last 29 games of the season. Thomas was also selected to the All-NBA Rookie First Team.

"He reminds me much of myself, even as a rookie, but just a different brand, he's definitely more physical than I was... He's got good ball handling skills, which I expect to improve over the course of time, his rebounding is decent, if he put the work in this summer he should average alot more, last year I think he just tried to out jump players, [this summer he's been working with Hakeem and Shaq], and one of the things I love most about him is he is a flat out scorer... Oooowee can this kid score. He can take you to the hole, he can knock down the mid range, or he can beat you with bullyball on the block. He's pretty much a walking triple-double every time he steps out there on the floor," Hall of Famer Magic Johnson said.

Returning from injury, Thomas, alongside NBA All-Star Lamarcus Aldridge, are expected to lead this young group of Blazers (average age is 24) back to playoffs.


• Thomas in recent weeks, recently signed with Jordan Brand, and is expected to have a signature shoe this season.
• Thomas wears #11 in honor of his uncle, Isiah Thomas.
• Thomas recorded 6 triple-doubles in his rookie season.
• Thomas's game has been compared to LeBron James, James Harden, Rudy Gay and Paul George.