Future Bear Thomas Excited, and Could Portend Developing Pipeline
Ron Bailey, Publisher
December 21, 2006 - Things are changing for the Morgan State Bears; it was a time when talented local high school players would not consider the program, despite Morgan’s standing as an excellent educational institution.
That period is no more, as witnessed by the school’s signing of talented lead guard and Baltimore product, Desmond Thomas. (Click here for previous Thomas coverage)
“I feel real good” said Thomas recently, a Saint Frances Academy senior, about his choice in college destination. “You know they have a new coach, Todd Bozeman”.
Bozeman, who has previously coached at Cal-Berkley and became Morgan’s head man this year greatly impressed Thomas. “He’s a great coach, great motivator, and all-around good person” Desmond said of Bozeman, who was his primary recruiter.
Thomas became certain Bozeman would be his future coach, after an in-house visit. “He came to my house to meet my parents (Donald, Jr. and Diane), and afterward I told my mother I wanted to go there” revealed Desmond. “I verballed after that”.
An official visit during homecoming weekend only confirmed Desmond’s positive feelings regarding Morgan State, as he recalled “When I went up there for my visit, everybody was positive”. In addition to meeting the staff, players and many students, Thomas was able to stay on campus and soak up the atmosphere.
Nick Myles, an assistant coach at Saint Frances, thinks Desmond’s choice will have a cascade effect for the Bears. “It’s very good for Morgan getting a quality point guard from this area, it’s showing a major effort to recruit quality talent from Baltimore” he opined. “With Desmond along with Reggie Holmes (Saint Frances “04”), Morgan should be able to attract more local talent which will help with recruiting and also putting local fans in the stands”.
The school finally bested Marist, Towson, Ball State and Siena for the 5’10”, 165 pound point guard Thomas’ services.
Thomas (right), is shown here receiving an All-Tournament award for his play in the 2006 Gonzaga DC Classic. There, Desmond displayed the ability to lead a team and score from the perimeter and at the rim. His mother recently shared the 5"10" guard "dunked in a game for the first time".
Thomas’ mother, Diane, is happy with her son’s choice. “I expected he wanted to go away from school, but Morgan is a good fit” she said. “He still benefits from being on campus”.
Later, she added “I’ve always been impressed with Morgan being an HBCU (Historically Black College and University). I think our kids should make good choices, and if an HBCU is one, they should go”.
Mrs. Thomas shared they live “Basically around the corner” on Baltimore’s Westside, but outside of seeing their son play, there will not be any impromptu visits to her youngest son. “No, this is my time to do something I want to do, like chose a vacation” she joked.
Doing so is relatively novel for the Thomas’, as they have traveled throughout the country following their two sons, Desmond and the older Donald III (who attends Pikesville in Kentucky), play for over 15 years. “Desmond was trying to play ball since he was three” she recalled. “Once we found a basketball team, either my husband or I have been to just about every game”.
In Desmond’s case, his hoops career started around age six at the Charm City’s John Eager Howard Recreation center, later shifting to Mt. Royal Recreation Center when he was around 10. It is with Mt. Royal where the true travel began, including trips to New Orleans and Florida – both places where two summers ago they won back to back national AAU championships – as well as other far flung locals.
All that high level hoops experience has not only prepared Thomas for Morgan State, but his captaincy and senior year at St. Frances as well. Typically a more methodical team offensively, the Panthers have switched attacks, now employing a running, fast break focus that also employs some one on one activity in the half court.
Thomas has made the switch flawlessly, and backs his coach, William Well’s decision to make the change. “I feel like he’s making the right decision” opined Desmond. “We have a starting five where everybody can handle the ball and get out and run”.
With his intellect - the young guy has already fully met NCAA qualification requirements - court savvy, and skill set, there is no wonder why many prognosticate success for Desmond at Morgan State.
Count Saint Frances’ Myles a member of that group. “Desmond is a kid who has the passion and ability to be an all conference performer in a couple years at Morgan” he said, “and will also be a great addition to their team next year”.
Before matriculating, Thomas is preparing himself by studying the team and its coach.
“Coach Bozeman is turning it around” he said.
Desmond’s signing is proof positive of that.