Kithier Shines with Izzo and Beilein Watching
Less than a month since Michigan State offered, Thomas Kithier earned the “Michigan Red Carpet.” Despite playing 16u in a 17u world, Kithier drew a live evaluation from Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo and Michigan Head Coach John Beilein.…
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Continue ReadingLess than a month since Michigan State offered, Thomas Kithier earned the “Michigan Red Carpet.”
Despite playing 16u in a 17u world, Kithier drew a live evaluation from Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo and Michigan Head Coach John Beilein. Further, two other MSU assistants and one Michigan assistant shared the experience.
“It means a lot that they are here,” said Kithier. “I just like that they are coming out and showing interest. Michigan State offered me and Michigan, they are close to an offer. I really like both programs and they are going to be in my top five when I continue to…they are on my list now.”
The Family 16u fights til the last drop. Kithier himself demonstrated tremendous footwork and relentless hunger for rebounds. The sky is the limit for the hard-working, skilled post monster.
Spartan Offer
For any young man in the Midwest that first major Big 10 offer resonates in your soul.
“It was huge,” said Thomas Kithier of his Michigan State offer. “Michigan and Michigan State. They were my top two schools when I was a kid. Watching them in the Final Fours…I love it.”
The Spartans opened up eyes regionally with their June offer. Because he is entering his junior year, Kithier would ordinarily have to wait until winter to start drawing perennial power offers like Michigan State.
“It was almost a little bit of surprise, but I played my butt off,” said Thomas Kithier. “I never played that well in my life. I never played as well in my life as I did in that camp.”
Kithier was so pleased with his June camping, and credited two particular camps with vaulting his rep.
“The thing that really started it was me playing at the Elite 100 and playing against all that top competition out there,” said Kithier. “I stacked up against it well. Going to Michigan State Camp was almost easy for me, going against people who weren’t as highly rated.”
Coveting
What schools would he like to get involved?
“Really I would just take like any schools like ACC, any schools big time like that. Big 12, any conference from outside the Midwest hasn’t really talked to me yet.”
Kithier would like to expand his brand and earn greater recognition from national media, coaches, and fans.
Really, if they come to 17u, they will be like, ‘Hey, that is Thomas Kithier playing. Just like bigger on a national ranking.
“I just talked to Head Coach at Rice before the weekend started and they offered me,” said Thomas Kithier.
Coach Beilein is the trigger man, capable of doubling his reputation locally.
Kithier has strong, elevated interest from Xavier, Illinois, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.