David Thomas (born December 4, 1976) is a Canadian former professional basketball player who played eight seasons in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He played college basketball for Michigan State University and has represented Canada in international competition.
High school and college career Born in Brampton, Ontario, Thomas attended Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School where he averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists per game as a senior in 1995–96. He went on to play for Michigan State where he was a reserve on the Spartans' 2000 championship team. In four seasons, he averaged 3.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 114 career games, including 46 starts.
Professional career After going undrafted in the 2001 NBA draft, Thomas signed with the Canberra Cannons for the 2001–02 NBL season. In May 2002, he re-signed with the Cannons on a two-year deal. However, he left in December 2002 after the Cannons were forced into voluntary administration three months into the 2002–03 NBL season.Cannons fold after going broke
On October 8, 2003, he signed a one-year deal with the Melbourne Tigers.Tigers sign tall ThomasNo doubt on Thomas On January 27, 2004, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Tigers.Tigers sign 'insurance' man In March 2006, he re-signed with the Tigers, and a year later, he was named to the 2007 All-NBL first team.Two Tigers in All-NBL team
In July 2008, he signed with the Cairns Taipans.TAIPANS GET DAVE THOMASTaipans are not doubting Thomas On December 11, 2008, he was released by the Taipans because the club could no longer afford him, fellow import Larry Abney or head coach Alan Black. The Taipans did continue playing, however, only after the entire team agreed to a blanket 45 per cent pay cut for the rest of the season.
On December 29, 2008, he re-signed with the Melbourne Tigers for the rest of the 2008–09 NBL season.Dave Thomas returns to the Melbourne TigersReturning star hoping to spark TigersDave Thomas brings the passion back to Melbourne Tigers
On July 9, 2009, he signed a one-year deal with the New Zealand Breakers.Canadian fills Breakers' import slotThomas Joins Breakers However, on August 3, 2009, he was forced to pull out of his one-year deal due to a recurrence of knee and back problems, which effectively ended his career.Rickert re-signed by Breakers
Post-playing career Since his retirement in 2009, Thomas has spent time as the host of the Spartan Fastbreak show on WLNS TV, was the owner and operator of Ever Green Car Wash & Detail in Lansing, and worked for Michigan State University Federal Credit Union as the Business Services Assistant Manager.
On July 7, 2014, Thomas was hired by Michigan State women's basketball head coach, Suzy Merchant, as the program's Director of Basketball Operations and Technology. The following year, he moved over to the men's program and attained the same role under coach Tom Izzo.Former Michigan State player David Thomas named new director of basketball operations
Personal Thomas is the son of Roy and Linda Thomas.
References
External links Australiabasket.com profile Michigan State Spartans bio NBL stats