Prospect Spotlight: Rodriguez Thomas (2019)
We are on the tail end of summer and around the commonwealth, college prospects at all levels are working on their game and working toward earning an opportunity to play at the next level. Prep Hoops Kentucky puts the spotlight on prospects around the Bluegrass State.
Rodriguez Thomas is a 6’2″ Point Guard entering his junior season for Paducah Tilghman. Currently ranked #23 in our 2019 rankings, Rod hopes to see an uptick in his recruiting as he moves towards his second season leading the Blue Tornadoes and gets closer to his 17u AAU season. Thomas was second in scoring for Tilghman last season, averaging just short of 14 points per game. Known for his abilities as a sniper from beyond the 3 point line, Rodriguez spent the offseason bulking up and becoming a better slasher. Thomas shot 53% from the field last season and a crisp 40.7% from behind the arc. I recently caught up with Rodriguez to talk about his summer spent with Hoop Dreams 16u and his expectations for his junior campaign.
PHKY: Describe your game. What do you do best? What are you working to improve?
RT: My game is not really too fancy. I just get things done the most efficient way and the simplest way I can. My biggest strength is my shooting. I’m working to improve my athleticism as well as continuing to better my handles.
PHKY: Recap your AAU season. Were you happy with how you played? Any particular games or tournaments stand out for you?
RT: My AAU didn’t start the way I wanted it to but I ended playing my best basketball in the summer. The Atlanta tourney at the end of the year was by far my best tournament for the whole summer.
PHKY: What colleges are showing interest or have offered?
RT: Morehead State, Northern Kentucky invited me to their elite camp, SEMO has called and Georgetown College invited me to their elite camp also.
PHKY: What are you looking for in a college?
RT: What I’m looking for in a college is a wining program, a coach that gets the best out of his players, and a team that’s together and much like a family.
PHKY: What are your goals for the upcoming HS season?
RT: My goals for this upcoming season are to win the region and make it to the Sweet 16 . I wanna shoot at least 40% from 3, 85-90% from the free throw line and 50% from the field.
Rodriguez’s high school coach also happens to be his dad. Coach Thomas recently told me how hard Rodriguez has been working since his sophomore season ended in March. “Since last season Rod has really improved his game. He’s worked on being more of a floor general at the guard position. Improving his handle allowing him to be a better playmaker for his teammates. He’s improved on his midrange game, being able to shoot off the bounce and being more creative around the basket allowing him to finish in traffic among bigs. He’s improved his conditioning that will allow him to be a better defender and quicker off the bounce. The end of the summer he was weighing 185 which was 10 pounds down from the beginning and he felt much better. I also think he’s just understands the game better and what he needs to do for us to be successful.”
Coach Rod Thomas, who played his college ball at Murray State, also has high expectations for Rodriguez this season,”My expectations for him this year is to be a better leader in making the right play for the team. Rodriguez needs to demonstrate the ability to lead a team from the PG position. I look for him to bring more out of his toolbox and show us he can be more than a jump shooter.” Having seen Rodriguez grow up over the past few AAU summers, I can personally vouch that if he brings more out of his toolbox, the Commonwealth will see a player capable of finding a home at the Division 1 level. Many western Kentucky teams suffer from a lack of exposure to the majority of the state. Often the best teams from regions 1-4 aren’t seen in or near Lexington until the state tournament. Thomas has the ability and the work ethic to lead his team to Rupp Arena next March and if he can accomplish that, his name should become more well known statewide.