Spring Break
'Big brother' watches team through changes
Marcos Blanco
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: Sports
"Trying to help the team, it was one of those things I was good at in high school," Thomas said.
In transitioning from high school basketball to college basketball, Thomas said he had to play a lot harder and condition differently.
"I had a college body and I had to be a lot smarter," he said.
Thomas said Nessman has been a good source of guidance for him during the last three years that they've worked together.
"Coach Nessman has helped me grow as a person and helped me out when I was struggling," he said.
Nessman also recognizes Thomas' strength and athleticism on the court.
"He's very athletic and very strong," he said. "We rely on his strength and his explosiveness."
Oakes agreed, calling Thomas "a strong enforcer."
Thomas also said he feels like he has more room for improvement in his game.
"I try to get better every day," he said. "If I don't get better every day, then I'm wasting my time.
"(I've) never gotten worse since I've been here. (I've) only gotten better."
"He understands what he can and can't do," Nessman said.
Thomas said he was thinking about playing for the SJSU football team in 2009, but is more centered on basketball and his academic goals.
"I'm just focused on the season," he said. "Our team this year - we have a good chance at doing something."
Oakes said Thomas keeps things to himself, referring to his desire to play football next fall.
"He's about the team and wants to finish up and get his degree," he said.
"He has his academic goals together," Nessman said. "I think he will be successful in what he wants to do."
In transitioning from high school basketball to college basketball, Thomas said he had to play a lot harder and condition differently.
"I had a college body and I had to be a lot smarter," he said.
Thomas said Nessman has been a good source of guidance for him during the last three years that they've worked together.
"Coach Nessman has helped me grow as a person and helped me out when I was struggling," he said.
Nessman also recognizes Thomas' strength and athleticism on the court.
"He's very athletic and very strong," he said. "We rely on his strength and his explosiveness."
Oakes agreed, calling Thomas "a strong enforcer."
Thomas also said he feels like he has more room for improvement in his game.
"I try to get better every day," he said. "If I don't get better every day, then I'm wasting my time.
"(I've) never gotten worse since I've been here. (I've) only gotten better."
"He understands what he can and can't do," Nessman said.
Thomas said he was thinking about playing for the SJSU football team in 2009, but is more centered on basketball and his academic goals.
"I'm just focused on the season," he said. "Our team this year - we have a good chance at doing something."
Oakes said Thomas keeps things to himself, referring to his desire to play football next fall.
"He's about the team and wants to finish up and get his degree," he said.
"He has his academic goals together," Nessman said. "I think he will be successful in what he wants to do."
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