Q&A with 2024 Malcolm Thomas
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DeMatha Catholic has a long history of not only being one of the powerhouse high school programs in the country, but also a factory for churning out players who have produced at the highest levels of basketball. Last year’s team was coached by Pete Strickland, who was filling in as an interim head coach after Mike Jones accepted the associate head coach position at Virginia Tech. Strickland fulfilled his duties for the season before DeMatha announced they would be on the search for their long-term head coach of the future. Ironically another Mike Jones, the former head coach at St. Stephen’s St. Agnes, was announced as the next in line to take on one of the best high school jobs in the country.
Despite the change of the coaching staff, expectations remain high as the Stags prepare to embark on a national schedule. While they do not boast the same four or five star prospects of the past, Jones’ approach and culture are already showing in the team’s willingness to scrap and play exceptionally hard. One prospect in particular who will shoulder more responsibility is 2024 forward Malcolm Thomas Malcolm Thomas 6'8" | PF DeMatha | 2024 State #122 Nation MD .
I caught up with Thomas after an impressive practice to discuss a variety of topics surrounding his game and the season.
CG: How have you guys as a group taken to the new philosophies and system that Coach Jones is implementing?
MT: It’s been and adjustment period, of course. But that’s expected with any situation that has a different set of circumstances. I think we’ve adjusted well. I love the new coaching staff. I love the speed and the tempo. I think we’re going to do really well and surprise a lot of people this year.
CG: You guys are used to having a few high-level prospects to lean on, but this team is going to be different. While there’s talent, it’ll be more of a team that has to rely on consistent effort and energy. Is that a mindset that you and the team have talked about and embraced in a way?
MT: Most definitely. We’re approaching this season with a much more underdog mentality in comparison to last season. We have a lot of new faces that will end up being up-and-coming big names.
CG: You put forth a productive spring and summer that has bled over into confidence. Your game has started to take off in different ways. How have you improved since the summer to continue your rise?
MT: Consistency. I’ve really been working on all aspects of my game. Being able to play inside and out. Just being willing to play all over the court. Utilizing more of my athletic ability on both ends of the floor.
CG: Last season you had somewhat of a limited role. Despite the fact, you still made big plays in key moments of games, but you were more leaned on to do the dirty work and things that may not show up on the box score. How does your role change this season?
MT: I think each of us have a specific role on the team this year. A few of us have taken leadership roles like Jaden Winston Jaden Winston 5'9" | PG DeMatha | 2023 State MD , Isaiah Arnold Isaiah Arnold 6'2" | PG DeMatha | 2023 State MD and myself. I think it’s just going to be a great year
CG: What are the expectations you guys have set for yourselves this season?
MT: WCAC championship.
CG: Rewind to last season as a sophomore. What has changed in your game or approach since then? These are key years for players to gain confidence, strength and maturity to help in their overall development.
MT: I think I’ve become a lot more comfortable putting the ball on the floor. In every aspect. Going from coast-to-coast or catching the ball on the wing. I just want to be more consistent with that and my attack.
CG: What is the next progression in your development?
MT: I want to be able to be more consistent. I think you can always get better and that’s the next step.
CG: You have the luxury of your father, Etan Thomas, play in the NBA for 11 seasons. How has he helped with your mindset or approach to all of the loudness that high school basketball comes with nowadays?
MT: Having my dad here is one of my biggest blessings. Just having him there to talk about the obstacles that come with high school basketball and the attention it can bring. That’s why I try to keep my offers in private and not let too much out to the public.
CG: That’s something I’ve noticed. You haven’t made any offers public like so many others. If you know the number and are comfortable sharing, how many offers do you have?
MT: Around 18-to-20.
CG: Do you plan on keeping those private entirely?
MT: For now, until I plan on cutting my list to a top eight or a top five.
CG: Have you taken any visit?
MT: I have, but I stopped once the AAU season ended so I could just focus on playing and getting ready for this season.
CG: You stated that you have your fair share of offers, but in your words, why should a college recruit you?
MT: They’ll see this year. I think I can be a useful asset on offense and defense. I think I’m the most athletic person that I know. Using my athletic ability, I think I can contribute in all ways on the court.