Tyler Thomas turned in a tremendous campaign with Hofstra, and the Coastal Athletic Association Player of the Year is looking to continue that success at the next level.
Thomas was also named to the All-CAA first team after averaging 22.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals on 37.1% shooting from 3-point range. He registered five 30-point games, including a season-high 40 points on Nov. 22.
The 6-foot-3 guard ranked fourth in the country among all players in scoring and was first in field-goal attempts (640). He also finished second in 3-pointers made (125) and 3-pointers attempted (337), while leading the CAA in each category.
The showing by Thomas wasn’t surprising to head coach Speedy Claxton.
“He was one of my top two hardest workers that I’ve had in my short time as being a head coach,” Claxton told Rookie Wire. “He was in the gym working on his craft 2-3 times a day, even during the season, so I’m not surprised with how well he played because you get out of it what you put into it and he put a lot of hard work into his game.”
Thomas played the first three years of his college career at Sacred Heart before transferring to Hofstra in 2022. He was a two-time All-NEC selection there and also took home the Most Improved Player award as a sophomore.
WELCOME TO THE TYLER THOMAS SHOW, AMERICA!#PrideOfLI pic.twitter.com/tyUTDd7z5A
— Hofstra Men’s Basketball (@HofstraMBB) February 4, 2024
The 24-year-old proved to be a workhorse for the Pride this past season. He was fifth in Division I in minutes (37.9) and 14th in usage percentage (32.7) and established himself as their go-to player each time he stepped onto the court.
Thomas dazzled as a scorer in 33 games and was effective at all three levels. His step-back shot and ability to hit tough shots on the move allowed him to separate himself from his defender and create open looks for himself.
“We were going to him and he still found ways to be successful,” said Claxton, who played seven years in the NBA. “Honestly, he came in as a shooter and then by the time he left here, he turned himself into an all-around scorer.”
OMG #PrideOfLI pic.twitter.com/gEr7dw9UFd
— Hofstra Men’s Basketball (@HofstraMBB) February 2, 2024
Fresh off a successful season, Thomas is now preparing himself for the NBA draft. He is in the gym several times a day to improve his overall game and showcase his ability at a high level during his predraft workouts.
Thomas worked out with the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers this week. He put on a show during his visit with the Clippers on Thursday, draining 78 3-pointers in one shooting drill after his workout, the second-most by a draft prospect this year.
He will continue to work out daily and schedule visits with teams ahead of the draft on June 26-27. He believes his finishing at the rim and handle have improved throughout his training, while his shot has also gotten even better.
Rookie Wire recently caught up with Thomas to discuss this past season, his college career, playing for coach Claxton, preparing for the draft and more.
Note: This interview was edited for clarity