Jake Thomas to Marquette

[MarkMiller]

From my WisSports.net article ...

By Mark Miller
WisSports.net

A chance to return home and play college basketball at the highest level intrigued former Racine St. Catherine's star Jake Thomas.

After checking into a couple of different options, Thomas decided this week he will transfer from the University of South Dakota to Marquette University and join the Golden Eagles basketball program as a walkon.

Thomas will have two years of eligibility at Marquette, but must sit out the 2011-12 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

A 6-foot-4, 195-pound shooting guard, Thomas might be just the type of player Marquette needs because of his ability to stretch defenses with his outstanding long-distance shooting ability.

In two seasons at South Dakota, a NCAA Division I school, Thomas made a whopping 175 three-point baskets. He finished with a career-high 40 points and set a school record with 10 three pointers in a 105-73 rout of Chicago State last season.

"It's definitely a big step up in competition," Thomas said. "In talking to the Marquette coaches, they know I can shoot. It's just a matter of improving every other aspect of my game.

"But give me a year to get a lot better, and I think I can play at this level. I'm going to Marquette as a walkon the first year, but there is always a chance to earn a scholarship. I'd definitely have to go out and prove myself and that is understandable."

Thomas, who led St. Catherine's to the WIAA Division 3 state championship in 2009 when he scored a total of 44 points in two games, averaged 13.6 points and 4.9 rebounds at South Dakota as a sophomore, helping the Coyotes to an 18-15 record while playing an independent schedule.

Thomas shot 83 percent from the foul line and 35 percent from three-point range while averaging 32.9 minutes per game.

As a freshman at South Dakota, Thomas averaged 13.3 points and shot 44 percent from three-point range while playing 32.6 minutes per contest.

"I'll be enrolled at Marquette in July and start with the workouts and lifting," said Thomas, who plans to major in exercise science. "Improving my strength will be my No. 1 goal. I will also work on my defense, my shooting, my passing ... just every aspect of my game.

"A lot of my friends from St. Catherine's go to Marquette. I know I'll get a great education and have the chance to play basketball."

Thomas follows a long line of St. Catherine's stars to play at Marquette, including Jim Poulsen (1962, 1963, 1964), Rocke Calvelli (1963, 1964, 1965), Jim Chones (1971, 1972), Jim McIlvaine (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994) and Marcus West (1997, 1998).

[MUMac]

I really like this.  Welcome to Marquette Jake!

[Blackhat]

Booo!!

This is a victory for the traditionalists.


JK, welcome Jake...make good string music baby.

[Bocephys]

Booo!!

This is a victory for the traditionalists.


JK, welcome Jake...make good string music baby.

Traditional isn't always bad.  I like this new thing where our walk ons actually have a shot at seeing the floor in certain situations that aren't us winning by 40. 

[MU_Iceman]

Personally I think this means Buzz is probably done with 2011.  He will officially have 13 players available for practices (albeit, two of which are walk-ons) and can focus his attention on a deep 2012 recruiting class.  Would love to see more size for O'Tule and Gardner to work against every day, but I suppose (barring injury) at least they have each other to practice against...

Welcome Jake!

[MarkMiller]

Don't think Buzz is done quite yet.

[🏀]

Don't think Buzz is done quite yet.

Nice.

[StillAWarrior]

Don't think Buzz is done quite yet.

Interesting...considering the source.

[The Lens]

Love the Rocke Calvelli reference. 

[4everwarriors]

Buzz ain't done.

[goldeneagles09]

Alright - another St. Cat's alum! Would love to see his outside shot carry over to the Big East, let's hope he can adapt/commit to Buzz's style of practice & play!

[NCMUFan]

He can truthfully say he came to Marquette for the better weather.

[wadesworld]

Buzz is never done recruiting until that basketball season starts.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Booo!!

This is a victory for the traditionalists.


JK, welcome Jake...make good string music baby.

Damn skinny.  I'm a happy camper and kills the notion by some that those players are not valued or needed....cough cough..you know who you are

[Jam Chowder]

I am very pleased with this development. I love that Buzz is utilizing the walkon spots to add value to the team. I am very interested to find out where this last schollie goes.

[NersEllenson]

Damn skinny.  I'm a happy camper and kills the notion by some that those players are not valued or needed....cough cough..you know who you are

What makes Jake Thomas a traditional in your opinion?

[Ari Gold]

I find it so interesting that Buzz actually uses the walk on roll in recruiting
As opposed to what crean did of holding an open tryout for an on campus kid

[4everwarriors]

AU,
What's equally cool is that former scholarship players are now paying their own way just to be a part of Warrior basketball.

[jsglow]

Sounds like a great move, both for Jake and the Golden Eagle program.  Looking forward to seeing him give us some 'zone busting' shots.  The key might be his ability to hold his own on the defensive end.

[Lennys Tap]

Damn skinny.  I'm a happy camper and kills the notion by some that those players are not valued or needed....cough cough..you know who you are

If we can get a traditional like this without spending a scholarship I'm very much okay with it.

[Markusquette]

Sweet.  Seems like a great get and gives us a potential threat from long distance for a couple of years.

[MUcookie30]

Add him to the list of J's.....

Jamail, Jamil, Juan, Junior, Jae, Jamal, and now Jake!

[Da 'Lanche]

I love it.   Saw him play in the 09 state tournament and he was a really great high school basketball player.   Absolutely sweet outside shot.   I'm realistic on this....the big east is a huge, gigantic stretch from where he has been...but, think of the quality of players we have as walk-ons and in their own right will make this a better team just through pushing guys in practice.   Plus, he seems like a great kid and chemistry is important in college athletics.   All the best to Jake in his academic and basketball pursuits at MU.

[Da 'Lanche]

P.S.....I don't see Buzz being done for 2011 either...no way....too much volatility at this level and he won't sit on scholarships.

[LastWarrior]

Info on the newest Warrior...

http://www.usdcoyotes.com/sports/mbball/bio.asp?PLAYER_ID=2987