Former CSI All-American pursuing a professional basketball career

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) – Khalid Thomas, a former All-American and Division I basketball player for the College of Southern Idaho, is on a mission to play professional basketball.

While Thomas is gifted with talent, the question remains, where will the 22-year-old land?

Khalid Thomas is confident about one thing…

“I will play professionally.

Where however, is unknown.

Thomas is currently in Dallas training at the Drive Nation Sports Complex, owned by former NBA star Jermaine O’Neal. Thomas has signed with Seven 1 Sports and Entertainment Group, O’Neal’s Agency and Tracy McGrady, who also represents Gonzaga star Drew Timme.

Thomas first signed an NIL deal last August. Then re-signed to a client contract after his senior season at Portland State.

“They’ve done a really good job of transitioning from college and preparing you for this professional experience, giving you a taste of what it’s going to be like if you reach the next level or when you reach the next level. exclaimed Thomas.

He earned all Big Sky Conference and Big Sky Tournament honors, while using up his extra year of eligibility last season.

“We started off really slow, you know 4-13, then we went from 4-13 to 14-17, we just tied in, and we really locked ourselves in and we got closer and we just wanted to,” Thomas said.

He thinks the race got a lot of attention, giving him opportunities he might not have had otherwise. Thomas recently traveled to Chicago for a pro day at the NBA Draft Combine, showcasing his skills in front of 20 NBA coaches.

“Like wow, really thinking about that experience, kissing it is a good experience in itself,” he said.

As he waits for his first team practice, he knows his life could change at any moment.

“It’s a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s also a bit exciting at the same time,” adds Thomas.

Thomas played for the College of Southern Idaho from 2017 to 2019. In 2018, he led CSI to an NJCAA National Finals, earning Region 18 and All-American honors. In 2019, he committed to Texas Tech University, but opted out and attended Arizona State instead, where he spent the 2019-20 season, before transferring to Portland State to close out his career.

Copyright 2022 KMVT/KSVT. All rights reserved.