Yesterday, Thomas, a 6’7″ PF from the upcoming 2011 class, decided to join Kansas State, giving them depth in the paint and strength under the glass. Thomas has a solid frame that’s ready for the college game and should get playing time quickly.
Thomas Gibson (PF, 6’7″, 2011), who we recently featured in our ‘7 Questions With…’ feature, shows off his timing with an alley oop dunk at this year’s Pangos tournament on the West Coast:
It’s important to note that timing, especially for rebounding and shot blocking, is one key skill that translates to all levels of basketball.
Gipson (PF, 6’7″, 2011), is a power player with a penchant for hammering away in the post, one of those big men that attack the basket with a ferocity that can’t be taught, he works hard, runs the floor and has a massive wingspan. Definitely a player to watch from the state of Texas, Thomas obviously relishes the role of being willing to face the hard knocks needed to play inside.
Thomas joins us for our inaugural installment of ‘7 Questions’, where we can find out more about Mr. Gipson and his alter ego, ‘Beast’.
1. The first question (it always is): Which schools are you considering, what offers have you received or what colleges have been communicating with you?
School
Interest Level
Baylor
Medium
California
Medium
Offered
Florida International
Medium
Offered
Georgia State
Medium
Offered
Iowa
Medium
Offered
Kansas State
Medium
Offered
Marquette
Medium
Oklahoma State
Medium
Offered
Southern Methodist
Medium
Offered
Texas A&M
Medium
Tulane
Medium
Offered
West Virginia
Medium
Offered
Note: Since this interview, Thomas has committed to Kansas State.
2. Do you have a timetable for your college decision?
Thinking Spring 2011 right now. That way I can take time and take some official visits to schools in the fall (before basketball season starts). But you never know, if the right offer comes along…could sign today….(laughing)
3. What are the parts of your game that you feel are the strongest?
My post moves and rebounding. I’m really strong for my age. I weigh between 230-245lbs all the time. I been playing post a while and it is second nature to me. Me being strong helps. My wing span is over 7’ too. I usually make most of my free-throws too. People also don’t think that I can only play inside. I actually have a good jump shot.
4. What are the parts of your game you are currently working on?
I am working on my ball handling and it has come along really well. I played in a game on this past weekend and was able to play power forward because my AAU coach (Stacy) let’s me do it. Most coaches have always put me at post because I was the tallest kid on the team. Now going to college, I know I have to put in the work to show them that I can do that too.
5. Are any coaches giving you feedback on your game, and if so, what are they telling you they want to see?
My trainer (Coach Tim Mason) always tell me to let them see my versatility. So what they are wanting to see is my ability to play the power forward position and ball handle, face the basket, and shoot jumpers. So I let them see that I can do all those things. I am 6’7” and some coaches underestimate me. I have a 7’2 wingspan, so I let them see what I can do with that too.
6. Can you name a current or past player or a coach (at any level) that you may admire and why you admire them?
Amare Stoudemire – he’s a great player. Think he’s a beast like me. That’s what they call me. He’s a [player who] runs the floor, rebounds, he can shoot. He’s kinda quiet from what I can tell. He doesn’t show a whole lot of emotion but he can play. He does his thing no matter what. Just like me.
7. If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish they knew, what would it be?
a. When I was a kid, we lived on 19 acres, took care of 100 acres of land that had 75 cattle on it. I would ride on the tractor with my mom…You wouldn’t believe it!
b. I was on Sports Stars of Tomorrow with Pat Summerall.
