After nearly six months of summer basketball, the travel season has ended and the yearly shift towards high school hoops has finally begun. Although there is still a lot of basketball going on between camps, fall leagues, and other preseason jamborees, this is typically the quietest time of the year for the grassroots community. Which, in turn, means there’s no better time to highlight individuals who have the tools and ability to be breakout players over the next eight months. While this notion could certainly apply to a variety of prospects, the emphasis is primarily on younger guys with an increased role, new school situation, or those who simply take the next step in their progression. After a strong freshman campaign, Aiden Thomas (East Rutherford) continues to make steady strides within his development. Let’s take a closer look…
Coming off a freshman campaign where he averaged 7.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 1.2 BPG while shooting 49% from the floor, there’s already a lot to like. While his raw numbers might not explode off the page, it’s worth noting that Thomas played on a battle-tested squad loaded with veteran pieces. They went 25-3 before narrowly falling short to Lincolnton in the playoffs. However, their new structure should allow Thomas to have a major uptick in production this season. After Micah King graduated and his frontcourt mate (Blake Suttle) transferred, he will undoubtedly need to take a step forward to maintain their current level of success.
If anyone can embrace the challenge, it should be Thomas. The multi-sport athlete has consistently turned heads in every viewing. He’s a long, explosive, physically imposing big man who plays with nonstop energy and toughness on both ends of the floor. Thomas is a phenomenal two-way rebounder who positions himself well to constantly control the glass and outwork opponents for extra possessions. He’s rugged, aggressive, and plays with a consistent chip on his shoulder. Thomas competes hard defensively and utilizes his length and timing to regularly block shots inside the paint. Offensively, he’s a quality finisher who can play through contact or above the rim. Thomas fills the lane effectively to capitalize on easy opportunities in transition. He lurks well for lobs and putbacks, but can also space the floor along the perimeter. Given his mentality, physical tools, and impactful two-way identity, folks should expect to hear about Thomas a lot more over the next few years.