Shaquille Thomas, 6'6 SF (2011) LOI [Archive]

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GoBearcats31

08-23-2010, 07:20 PM

@AdamZagoria: Shaquille Thomas of NIA Prep, nephew of NBA's Tim Thomas, will take an official to Cincinnati Wednesday

6-foot-6, 165 lbs.
Montclair, NJ
Offers: Cincy (Savino target), B.C., Fordham, LaSalle, Providence, Seton Hall, Syracuse, UTEP, Xavier
Rivals.com: #132 (3-star)
Scout.com: #97 (4-star)
ESPN.com: #82 (#17 SF), 95 rating

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=55223&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d552 23
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Shaquille-Thomas-84976
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3798477

GoBearcats31

08-23-2010, 07:30 PM

Shaq Thomas down to three

Thomas, now at NIA Prep in Newark, is considering Cincinnati, Seton Hall and UTEP.

Thomas takes an official to Cincinnati Wednesday and then heads to UTEP Sept. 17. He visited Seton Hall unofficially earlier in August.

Thomas said he will decide “after my visits.”

http://www.zagsblog.com/2010/08/23/shaq-thomas-down-to-3-schools/

CincyEngGrad02

08-23-2010, 08:13 PM

Could be a big Get!

Lobot

08-23-2010, 09:11 PM

When I look at who we're up against for him, It's not a big get. It's a you better get.

cmm27

08-23-2010, 10:06 PM

I agree, if UC cannot beat out UTEP and Seton Hall then what the heck has happened to the world?

GoBearcats31

08-23-2010, 11:38 PM

On a side note/off topic, noticed a lot of football and basketball recruits for 2010, 2011 named Shaquille. They would have been born around the time when Shaq was a rookie. I bet UC recruits some LeBrons in about 10 years. Maybe a few will take their talents to Clifton.

bearcatbret

08-24-2010, 07:22 AM

He has said that he wants to play in a major conference so I think that UTEP may be eliminated. Also, the coach expects the big names to be calling this season.

Carin's Dad

08-24-2010, 11:16 AM

We'd have to get the trainers busy on that body right away. He must have to run around in the shower to get wet.

Best Body

08-24-2010, 12:05 PM

We'd have to get the trainers busy on that body right away. He must have to run around in the shower to get wet.

The ESPN link indicated 185 vs. 165 - not sure which is correct, but if he is 165 at 6'6, I hope he's real quick.

BearcatAlum1

08-24-2010, 12:11 PM

The ESPN link indicated 185 vs. 165 - not sure which is correct, but if he is 165 at 6'6, I hope he's real quick.

40" vert type springs. I'm unsure if he has been measured at 40", but the kid can absolutely get up.

GoBearcats31

09-10-2010, 11:45 AM

SHAQ COMMITS:

http://www.zagsblog.com/2010/09/10/shaquille-thomas-makes-the-call/

Shaquille Thomas Makes the Call
By Adam Zagoria on September 10, 2010, 11:40AM

NEW YORK – Shaquille Thomas is headed to the Big East.

The 6-foot-7, 185-pound small forward from Newark (N.J.) NIA Prep made his college announcement Friday on SNY.tv.

“I will be going the University of Cincinnati,” said Thomas, a Montclair, N.J., native who is ranked among the Top 25 small forwards in the Class of 2011.

He picked the Bearcats over Seton Hall and UTEP.

“”The biggest reason I picked Cincinnati is because of the coaching staff. I built a good relationship with the coaches in early July when they started recruiting me. When I went on my visit, I just liked the whole environment.”

Thomas plans to finish up academically at NIA Prep in January, but probably won’t go to college until next summer.

Cincinnati has recently built a pipeline to the New York-metropolitan area. Senior Rashad Bishop is from Paterson, N.J., where Thomas competed at Paterson Catholic, and redshirt freshman Sean Kilpatrick is from White Plains, N.Y.

“I built a good relationship with Sean and Rashad on my visit,” Thomas said. “And I knew Rashad from when I played AAU with the Playaz.”

Thomas believes he can help make head coach Mick Cronin’s team stronger as soon as he arrives.

“Just my athleticism,” he said. “I can play more than one position on the court and I’m going to work hard.”

“The sky’s the limit for Shaquille,” said his AAU coach, Paul Ruddock. “It all depends on how hard he really wants to work. College is a whole other level because now it’s technically a job. He’s just got to go there focused and ready to bring it every day.”
He added: “He brings tremendous athleticism. Put some pounds on him and he’s an NBA prototype two/three guy.”

The nephew of Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Thomas and the half-sister of New York Liberty star Essence Carson, Thomas has strong basketball bloodlines that have helped form him as a person and a player.

“It’s good pressure because they’re in the NBA and they give me a lot of good advice with my college decision,” Thomas said. “They’ve been through all this recruitment stuff so they give me what to watch out for and stuff like that.”

Asked if he dreams of following them into the pros, Thomas said without hesitation, “Yes.”

GoBearcats31

09-10-2010, 11:59 AM

From Scout.com:

Shaquille Thomas is headed to the Big East.

After considering Cincinnati, Seton Hall, UTEP and Marquette, the 6-foot-6 wiry wing prospect gave the Bearcats a verbal commitment.

"I just had fun on my visit," Thomas said. "I liked it a lot. I like the coaching staff and I just like the whole situation and the whole environment."

"They've been there since day one and since early July," the Newark (N.J.) NIA Prep standout added. "They definitely made a big impact."

Thomas cited his relationship with Mick Cronin as one of the main reasons he went with Cincinnati.

"Me and him built a real good relationship," he said. "We have a good relationship and my coach does too."

righthook

09-10-2010, 12:00 PM

Nice get. Although i hope they meant he's the nephew of Tim Thomas and half "brother" of Essence Carson. Otherwise, it could be a little weird.

catscratchfever

09-10-2010, 12:06 PM

Nice get. Although i hope they meant he's the nephew of Tim Thomas and half "brother" of Essence Carson. Otherwise, it could be a little weird.

haha good catch!

GoBearcats31

09-10-2010, 12:16 PM

I updated my original post at the very top after noticing that Shaquille Thomas is a 4-star recruit and #97 in the country, according to Scout.com (unranked before)

BearcatAlum1

09-10-2010, 01:28 PM

Very solid addition. Can't wait to see his athleticism help this team from day one.

Lobot

09-10-2010, 03:14 PM

I like where this class is going. Nothing super duper but reasonably highly ranked players that will function well as a team (we hope).

shaunsimpson

09-10-2010, 04:56 PM

Top 100 recruit in Thomas from ESPN.

udonkey

09-10-2010, 05:25 PM

So we've got 2 Shaqs coming in next year - Washington - football / Thomas - bball. Looking forward to following their careers.

dgill2424

09-12-2010, 08:34 AM

I like where this class is going. Nothing super duper but reasonably highly ranked players that will function well as a team (we hope).

IMO this is how it used to be under the old regime. Every player was a top 150 with an occasional top 10-30 player. I think Mick has us back on track.

gocats13

09-12-2010, 04:02 PM

I really like Shaq. His potential is through the roof! Lets hope we can develop him. Ive seen one video on him and his shot looks pretty good. He could be a dangerous player with his height and athleticism especially if he can shoot the trey.

Antonio

09-13-2010, 11:17 PM

IMO this is how it used to be under the old regime. Every player was a top 150 with an occasional top 10-30 player. I think Mick has us back on track.

Back on track to me means wins regardless, but just want to point out that before, we were never in the Big East. So back on track from CUSA days won't cut it.

Best Body

09-15-2010, 10:29 AM

IMO this is how it used to be under the old regime. Every player was a top 150 with an occasional top 10-30 player. I think Mick has us back on track.

Joining a major conference ups the Ante, though. It raises the level of recruits a school can get, and must get.

GoBearcats31

11-03-2010, 05:23 PM

psax889906

11-03-2010, 06:38 PM

Now #92 on ESPNU 100
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/2132/class/2011/cincinnati

I believe Jermaine Sanders was Top 100 before but is not anymore (graded 91/100 though).
But Guyn and Shaq Thomas are both 4-stars and graded 92/100
Ellis 89/100

Dave Telep (formerly of Scout.com) runs ESPN's recruiting coverage now

Off the top of my head that would mean Ellis' grade went down (believe it was a 91 previously) and Shaq's ranking went down from 82 to 92. That's off the top of my head though.

EDIT:

After looking at the rankings and ratings again:

Shaq went from a 95 to a 92 in their evaluation of him.
Guyn went from a 91 to a 92.
Sanders remained at a 91.
Ellis dropped from a 91 to an 89.

No wonder UC's class dropped out of THEIR top 25.

gocats13

11-04-2010, 02:04 PM

Wow Im shocked that one of our players actually went up. I find it hard to trust espn rankings because there is SO much bias towards certain teams.

dp3113

11-04-2010, 03:24 PM

Wow Im shocked that one of our players actually went up. I find it hard to trust espn rankings because there is SO much bias towards certain teams.

are you saying towards certain bigger programs or bias against UC?

BearcatAlum1

11-04-2010, 05:05 PM

Wow Im shocked that one of our players actually went up. I find it hard to trust espn rankings because there is SO much bias towards certain teams.

The fact that Sanders' ranking didn't move should say something about the overall ability to evaluate such a large number of players and "rank" them accordingly.

I'll take Jermaine Sanders over most of the players in the top 100.

Thegreatone

11-05-2010, 01:53 PM

The hoop looks shorter for this guy. So long.

gocats13

11-05-2010, 03:14 PM

are you saying towards certain bigger programs or bias against UC?

I would say more towards bigger programs but it certainly seems as if they have one against UC

dp3113

11-05-2010, 04:47 PM

I would say more towards bigger programs but it certainly seems as if they have one against UC

why would espn have a personal vendetta against UC ranking UC recruits? every program can have a gripe with how a recruit is ranked- it is a 100% subjective process. not to mention- why uc? uc isnt even on big monday this year. sadly, we aren't even a concern for them right now.

gocats13

11-05-2010, 09:34 PM

why would espn have a personal vendetta against UC ranking UC recruits? every program can have a gripe with how a recruit is ranked- it is a 100% subjective process. not to mention- why uc? uc isnt even on big monday this year. sadly, we aren't even a concern for them right now.

Im not saying they have a vendetta against UC it just seems as if there is one. We rarely get any respect from them basketball or football.

I seriously doubt they have a vendetta against UC but you have to admit there is a bias in recruiting rankings. A perfect example is Justin Jackson. He was always a top 80, four star recruit but once Kentucky backed off, he dropped out of the top 150.

Lobot

11-10-2010, 03:42 PM

Shaq Thomas' paper work has been faxed.

bearcatfan80

11-15-2010, 02:33 PM

Shaq put up 40 on Saturday.

Carin's Dad

11-15-2010, 02:42 PM

Shaq put up 40 on Saturday.How many went in?

Just kidding, do you know if he can shoot threes? We need 3 shooters badly, even if they're forwards.

Carin's Dad

12-28-2010, 10:51 AM

http://blog.northstarbball.com/

New Jersey Top 50: "7. Shaq Thomas, SF, 6'7, NIA Prep, Cincinnati- The long and lanky wing has an improving jumpshot, but his calling card is his phenomenal athletic ability"

GoBearcats31

03-01-2011, 06:47 PM

@TheRecruitScoop: Disappointed to hear that Cincinnati bound senior Shaq Thomas is no longer with the NIA Prep (NJ) basketball team.

Cincinnati bound Shaq Thomas has traveled a long road: Paterson Catholic (NJ) to Montclair (NJ) to Mountain State (WV) to NIA Prep (NJ).

milfordcats

03-01-2011, 08:04 PM

bearcats011

03-01-2011, 11:37 PM

I'm really curious as to why he is no longer with the team/why he's transferred so much.

Carin's Dad

03-02-2011, 09:46 AM

I'm really curious as to why he is no longer with the team/why he's transferred so much.A bit worrisome. I hope his academics are in order. He'll probably get a long look by the clearinghouse.

Brian H.

03-02-2011, 10:39 AM

A bit worrisome. I hope his academics are in order. He'll probably get a long look by the clearinghouse.

A long look for UC means he won't be eligible for year. If it was UK the clearinghouse would be done in a day with it.

Carin's Dad

03-02-2011, 12:29 PM

A long look for UC means he won't be eligible for year. If it was UK the clearinghouse would be done in a day with it.There was an exception with Kanter. I guess being a pro was too much even for UK.

GoBearcats31

03-04-2011, 09:33 AM

@TheRecruitScoop: Cincinnati bound Shaq Thomas is back on the NIA Prep (NJ) team after being dismissed from it earlier in the week, per a source.

boxout

03-04-2011, 03:37 PM

BearcatAlum1

03-04-2011, 05:45 PM

That's great news!! Everything I have read about this is kid has been about his unbelieveable potential!! Until we start getting back on espn regualrly(which SHOULD happen next year) we need to recruit kids that are athletic that can be developed into big east players.

I thought players never improved under Mick Cronin...:rolleyes:

Cash? Dixon? Gates? Kilpatrick? Bishop? Justin Jackson? (And these are the MOST improved).

These guys don't improve...:rolleyes:

cincycpaw

03-04-2011, 05:46 PM

I thought players never improved under Mick Cronin...:rolleyes:

Cash? Dixon? Gates? Kilpatrick? Bishop? Justin Jackson? (And these are the MOST improved).

These guys don't improve...:rolleyes:

When exactly did you decide to become a broken record? ;)

cincycpaw

03-04-2011, 05:48 PM

Shaq probably had sexual relations with a girl and was kicked off the team....then they remembered that they weren't Mormon and brought him back. Just a big misunderstanding.

'nati streets

03-26-2011, 05:39 PM

This video has Shaq highlights at the end some dunks and a nice jumper. It is the same video that was posted under the NCAA E8 forum title (in-case you think you may have seen it already)

http://hoopmixtape.ning.com/video/jerome-seagears-shaquille

some really athletic dunks from Shaq- its worth a few seconds of your time

letharion

03-26-2011, 08:42 PM

GoBearcats31

04-03-2011, 12:08 PM

Shaq Thomas won New Jersey prep player of the year

Carin's Dad

04-03-2011, 04:29 PM

Shaq Thomas won New Jersey prep player of the yearOver Gilchrist? Or is he a different category?

GoBearcats31

04-03-2011, 05:19 PM

Over Gilchrist? Or is he a different category?

Not sure, just seemed widespread on Twitter earlier in the morning.

But I did find this feature story on ShaqT from this weekend: http://www.northjersey.com/sports/119108534_Ex-PC_star_takes_long_road_to_success.html

dp3113

04-03-2011, 05:34 PM

Over Gilchrist? Or is he a different category?

gilchrist goes to a regular 4 year high school. shaq won the award specifically for prep schoolers.

bearcats5

04-04-2011, 01:39 AM

Eta Rho

04-04-2011, 06:20 PM

Shaq made it to the semifinals of the high school dunk contest during Final Four weekend. For anyone who is interested, it looks like it'll be re-airing Monday at 8 p.m. on the CBS College Sports channel.

Thanks for the info. This kid has me very excited about next year.

Shaw and JJ in the front court is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

The HFD fan

04-07-2011, 03:45 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=6303570

Shaq has been omitted from the ESPNU 100. The article says because he is post grad, he could not be included.....oh well, bring on the class of 2011!:D