Prospect Spotlight: Thomas Gregorios
Years ago I had heard Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton talk about some of the toughest players he has ever had to defend. One of the players mentioned was the NBA all-time assist leader John Stockton. His reasoning…
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Continue ReadingYears ago I had heard Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton talk about some of the toughest players he has ever had to defend. One of the players mentioned was the NBA all-time assist leader John Stockton. His reasoning was that Stockton NEVER responded verbally or physically to the barrage of trash talk and antics that would fluster other players. John’s idea of payback was to simply help his team in anyway possible. Scoring, drawing cheap fouls on a player in foul trouble, setting screens away from the ball, or getting a steal that leads to an assist. John Stockton was a model of poise by staying calm and cool under pressure. The player that resembles that same mindset is De La Salle Point Guard Thomas Gregorios. The floor general for the spartans is an excellent leader who gives his teammates unwavering confidence that they can come out of any game with a victory. He has a great change of speed that he uses to create for his teammates or himself when needed and this ability is augmented by a smooth shooting stroke from deep. He also loves drawing 5 second calls while guarding the ball as well which is rare for a player. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Thomas and get a look inside the mind of a player who appears to never be flustered when the heat is on.
- With your senior season underway, what are your thoughts on suiting up for the Spartans for the final season?
I’m trying to take everything in and cherish every moment that I get with my team. The number of practices and games are limited so I want to enjoy every moment that I get with my teammates and coaches and do whatever I can on the court to help us succeed.
- What would you say is the most underrated aspect of your game?
I would say the most underrated aspect of my game is my athleticism. I think I am deceptively athletic which allows me to rebound at a higher level. It also enables me to breakdown defenders who underestimate my quickness.
- Who are players that you would say you model your game after or enjoy watching the most?
I would say I model my game after Derrick Rose or Russel Westbrook. They relentlessly attack the rim and use their athleticism to finish through contact. They have that aggressive attitude to attack the basket, but can also spread the floor using their jump shots.
- You appear to always remain poised under pressure. Was that a learned skill or something that you had growing up?
I think I learned this skill over the years that I’ve played basketball. Being in pressure situations and close games has helped me to learn how to handle them. I played six years of youth football as a quarterback as well. Both QB and PG positions require poise under pressure.
- Tell us about one of your favorite games from your career and why it stood out to you.
My favorite game of my career was my junior year on senior night against Amador Valley. The game went to triple overtime and we were able to get the win. Being able to battle with my teammates and not let the seniors at the time down was something special.
- What should collegiate coaches know about you as a player and a person?
I love to compete and win. My job is to put our team into the best position to win games. Often times it doesn’t involve me scoring and doesn’t show up on a stat sheet. It’s doing the little things like making sure everyone is in the right position, getting the right player the ball at the right time, and keeping our team level if an opponent is making a run. It also includes encouraging a teammate who isn’t playing well, blocking out, rebounding, and just making the correct basketball play. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my teammates succeed.