F DeShaun "The Diesel" Thomas (Panathinaikos - Greece)

[Buckskin86]

Men's basketball: Ohio State's Thomas: 'I love to score'
But points aren?t the only statistic that sophomore forward has focused on improving for betterment of team
By Todd Jones
The Columbus Dispatch Saturday March 31, 2012

NEAL C. LAURON | DISPATCH

Though always a scoring threat, forward Deshaun Thomas has made himself more valuable to the Buckeyes this season through his improved defense and reliable rebounding.

NEW ORLEANS ? He probably came out of the womb launching a jumper because that?s what Deshaun Thomas does and has always done: shoot the basketball.

Points provide sustenance for his soul.

?I love to score,? Thomas has said. ?I?m sorry.?

No need for the Ohio State sophomore forward to apologize. His scoring, after all, is a big reason the Buckeyes have reached the Final Four ? where OSU will play Kansas tonight for the chance to advance to the title game on Monday night.

Thomas has scored more points than any other player in this NCAA Tournament ? a combined 87 in the team?s four wins over Loyola (Md.), Gonzaga, Cincinnati and Syracuse, for an average of 21.8.

?Once I hit my first couple of shots, it?s going to be a long night (for the opponent),? Thomas said. ?I just feel so comfortable and confident knocking down the next one.?

His teammates share that feeling.

?When Deshaun is hitting, sometimes I throw the pass and just run back on defense because I know it?s going in,? said All-America forward Jared Sullinger.

cont...

http://www.buckeyextra.com/content/stories/2012/03/31/thomas-i-love-to-score.html

‘The Microwave’ heats up for Ohio St.
Thomas has risen game to new level in NCAA tournament
Wheat Hotchkiss, NCAA.com
Last Updated - March 30, 2012

Deshaun Thomas has averaged a NCAA tournament-best 21.8 points per game to help lead Ohio State to the Final Four.

NEW ORLEANS — Deshaun Thomas likes to call himself ‘The Microwave’ because of his play. But the moniker also seems to fit his personality.

Early into Ohio State’s open practice on Friday afternoon at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Thomas casually made a couple lethargic dribbles from the right sideline to the top of the key.

But with a sudden burst, Thomas unleashed a vicious step-back move and a quick jump shot, letting out a primal scream as the ball fell through the net. He turned and high-fived teammate William Buford as if Saturday night’s Final Four showdown with Kansas had already begun.

Seconds later, Buckeye coach Thad Matta cracked a joke and Thomas was back to his earlier state, laid-back and laughing.

This season has been a major breakthrough for Thomas, a 6-foot-7 sophomore. Since becoming a starter at the beginning of the season, Thomas has blossomed into a standout scorer for the Buckeyes. His season scoring average of 16.1 points is second among the Buckeyes. But his average of 21.8 points in the last four games is the highest among all players in the NCAA tournament.

“Deshaun’s stepped it up big time,” OSU junior forward Evan Ravenel said. “Coming in, hitting shots … it’s hard to guard him because he can post the ball up, he can shoot the perimeter shot, handle the ball, he’s a tough guard.”

Last year, Thomas was coming off the bench and getting inconsistent playing time. Last March, Thomas played just three minutes in the Buckeyes Sweet Sixteen loss to Kentucky. This year, he’s had a big hand in getting Ohio State to the Final Four. He started each of the 38 games and averaged 31.6 minutes.

“Last year I’d seen the big stage,” Thomas said. “I played a little bit against Kentucky. But it’s fun to get some [significant playing time in the tournament].”

Thomas is an explosive scorer with an equally dynamic personality. In the Ohio State locker room Friday afternoon, Thomas held court with reporters, alternating between jokes and thoughtful analysis, often in the same answer.

“People ask me, ‘Why do you be so wide open sometimes?’…I don’t know,” Thomas said. “We’ve got players like Jared [Sullinger] and [Aaron] Craft that can score. They can’t just be focused on one player.”

cont...

http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2012-03-30/microwave-heats-ohio-st

 

[Buckskin86]

Sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas, the second-leading scorer for the Buckeyes, was vague about his intentions when asked if he'll return to OSU next season.

"What ever happens for me happens," Thomas said. "If something good happens, I'll look into it and go from there."

http://www.buckeyextra.com/content/stories/2012/04/01/sullinger-thomas-undecided.html

 

[Buckeyefrankmp]

I would love to see him on the team next year, but I think he will go pro.

 

[BuckTwenty]

I have no inside info, but I would be absolutely shocked if he came back next year. DeShaun would have been one-and-done if he had been a starter last year instead of a 5-to-8-min-a-night player.

 

[CentralMOBuck]

Considering that last year NBA teams blew the late 2nd round draft picks on foreign players that would never make it to the USA to play in the NBA. If I was a late second round prospect I'd come back to college and try to improve my stock. With Sully possibly gone next year, Thomas will be our primary scorer. Whatever he does, he had a hell of a season and I wish him the best of luck.

Also the deadline to put your name in the draft is April 10th, last year it was May 8th.

 

[LitlBuck]

For some reason, I think that if Sullinger goes so will Thomas just because I think we are going to go through some severe growing pains next year. I also think that Thomas is better suited for the Euro game than the NBA. Have no idea where he would play if he does go because he does have some limitations.

 

[TooTall]

I think he'd benefit from one more year, but I think he goes pro as well. This years' draft class is stacked. He could potentially be a lottery pick with one more year of collegiate hoops under his belt.

 

[FlyerBuck]

This year he is a late 1st to 2nd round pick. I really think that if he comes back, he has a legitimate shot at earning his way into the lottery next year. I think coming back is the better move for him... and of course it will be better for me as fan.

 

[Buckeyecty4]

This year he is a late 1st to 2nd round pick. I really think that if he comes back, he has a legitimate shot at earning his way into the lottery next year. I think coming back is the better move for him... and of course it will be better for me as fan.

He won't sniff the first round. He's a tweener defensively, with little to no ability to create for others on the offensive end.

He has a ton to work on and would be foolish to go pro from a maturity (as a player) aspect.

 

[TooTall]

He won't sniff the first round. He's a tweener defensively, with little to no ability to create for others on the offensive end.

He has a ton to work on and would be foolish to go pro from a maturity (as a player) aspect.

I disagree. The freshman version of D-Thomas would fit your post's description. He's done a complete 180 this season. He's got nice touch on the offensive end, and can do just about everything (matchup nightmares for opponents). One more year and he's a legitimate lottery pick, next year won't have players like Harrison Barnes, Unibrow, Sully, etc.

Sure next year's class will still have some stars in it, but Thomas could really shine on this team next season. He'd be our go to scorer for sure.

 

[jwinslow]

I disagree. The freshman version of D-Thomas would fit your post's description. He's done a complete 180 this season. He's got nice touch on the offensive end, and can do just about everything (matchup nightmares for opponents). One more year and he's a legitimate lottery pick, next year won't have players like Harrison Barnes, Unibrow, Sully, etc.

I have no idea why Kerr & co refused to talk about the mismatch on the other end, but Robinson schooled Thomas badly, as have a number of other forwards.

 

[TooTall]

I have no idea why Kerr & co refused to talk about the mismatch on the other end, but Robinson schooled Thomas badly, as have a number of other forwards.

But how much better was this year's version of D-Thomas compared to last year's? I'm just pointing out that another year can only help him out.

 

[jwinslow]

But how much better was this year's version of D-Thomas compared to last year's? I'm just pointing out that another year can only help him out.

Definitely, he matured and became much less selfish with the ball and gave better effort on defense. He will likely have more sets run through him next year. OSU can still be a top team without Sullinger, despite being their best player (I still think Craft is their MVP). I don't think the same can be said if Thomas also leaves.

 

[buck1973]

Considering that last year NBA teams blew the late 2nd round draft picks on foreign players that would never make it to the USA to play in the NBA. If I was a late second round prospect I'd come back to college and try to improve my stock. With Sully possibly gone next year, Thomas will be our primary scorer. Whatever he does, he had a hell of a season and I wish him the best of luck.

Also the deadline to put your name in the draft is April 10th, last year it was May 8th.

The NBA deadline to put your name in for the draft is April 29th. April 10th is the NCAA deadline to withdraw from the draft if you already had put in your name.

Saw a few interesting tweets from Bob Baptist last night:

Thomas' mentor, Todd Hensley, told me Thomas' decision probably would be influenced heavily by how he played in Final Four.

Meaning, a strong showing would elevate him into first round. Going into FF, Hensley said he was hearing DT was 20 to 35 in draft.

Considering how Thomas played vs. Kansas, then, odds might be better for him to return.

https://twitter.com/#!/BBaptistHoops/status/186316799929880576
https://twitter.com/#!/BBaptistHoops/status/186317352881766401
https://twitter.com/#!/BBaptistHoops/status/186317352881766401

 

[TooTall]

Definitely, he matured and became much less selfish with the ball and gave better effort on defense. He will likely have more sets run through him next year. OSU can still be a top team without Sullinger, despite being their best player (I still think Craft is their MVP). I don't think the same can be said if Thomas also leaves.

I agree 100%. I do like the prospect of Amir Williams getting lots of PT next season. I like what I see from him early on.

The combo of Thomas and Williams down low would be pretty sick next year. I hope he stays.

How is next season's recruiting class shaping up?