Thomas’ patience finally rewarded

The high-energy player sat on the bench for 3 years, but didn’t give up.

Mesoraco's slam sends Reds over Braves
7:38 a.m.
Lost chances cost Cougars
5/25/12
Badin advances to regional final
5/25/12
West hopes to keep winning
5/25/12
Is third time the charm for senior?
5/25/12
> More sports headlines

By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer 1:06 AM Saturday, February 11, 2012

OXFORD — Adam Thomas’ energy is one of the best things to happen to Miami University’s basketball team this season.

His two monster slams against Eastern Michigan put the RedHawks over the top in a 62-57 overtime win Feb. 1. His eight points three days later helped Miami claim a 59-53 victory at Ball State.

“It got them in the mind-set that we can do this,” Thomas said, referring to his dunks, “and it can demoralize the other team as much as it helps us.”

Thomas will bring his energy to bear again this afternoon when the RedHawks face Central Michigan at Millett Hall.

Mostly, that energy is an ingrained part of his game. Fans who watched Thomas help lead Springboro High School to the Mid-Miami League title in 2006 know all about it.

Partly, it’s pent-up energy from redshirting his freshman year at Miami and then spending the next three seasons almost exclusively on the bench.

Trust was the key to Thomas finally getting meaningful playing time.

“I knew I was going to get my chance, and I knew I’d have to make it count,” said Thomas, who had enjoyed a strong preseason. “I needed to build trust. I built that trust in (the Eastern Michigan) game.”

The previous three seasons were a trial for Thomas, who played a total of 12 minutes as a redshirt freshman, 12 minutes as a sophomore and nine minutes as a junior.

“It was a struggle and it got worse as it went on,” he said. “I really missed playing.

“I’m happy I could persevere and didn’t give up on it, that I didn’t run from it,” Thomas said. “Now that I’m playing again I wish I had four more years of eligibility.”

Thomas, the son of Dan and Gail Thomas — his father played for Miami during the 1972-73 season — was cut during tryouts in the fifth grade and he didn’t play basketball for five years.

“Once I picked up a basketball again I got bit by the bug,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

Today’s game

Who: Central Michigan (7-16, 2-8 MAC) at Miami (7-15, 3-7)

When: 3:30 p.m.

TV: None

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450)

Series: Miami leads 47-17

Share this article