BENNINGTON, Vt. — The participating youngsters at this week’s Southern Vermont College basketball clinic were treated to an experience they soon won’t forget as James Thomas stopped by on Wednesday to provide some professional insight and tips for the local youth players.
Thomas, a four-year player at the University of Texas through 2004, went undrafted before getting signed by the Roanoke Dazzle of the National Basketball Association’s Development League. His 2004-05 season with the Dazzle was good enough for him to be named the league’s Rookie of the Year, setting him up to be signed at the top level by the Portland Trail Blazers. Thomas had stints with the Atlanta Hawks, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls before taking his talents overseas to play in European leagues.
“It was a memorable night for the staff and players at our clinic,” commented SVC head coach Dan Engelstad. “Anytime you can have a player with the experience and the wealth of knowledge that James Thomas has, it is extremely beneficial to everyone involved.”
The clinic was held for local boys of a mixed age who are in the Mount Anthony Union High School basketball program. Thomas provided instruction alongside the Southern Vermont coaching staff and a few current Mountaineers.
“The participants heard some great stories from [Thomas’] playing days in the NBA, overseas and college, and learned some high-level drills,” continued Engelstad. “The kids responded with great enthusiasm and worked hard with our staff to improve on the fundamentals that we had stressed.”
There are two additional chances for local children to learn from the SVC coaches and players as the program will hold camp for boys and girls entering grades 2-11 during the weeks of July 13-17 and August 10-14. To find more information and to download the camp brochure, please visit the men’s basketball page of svcathletics.com or contact Coach Engelstad at dengelstad@svc.edu.